At CHSF, we a so grateful witness countless inspiring stories of strength and resilience from children and their families as they navigate the challenges of congenital heart conditions.

Sonny is just one of those children…

Sonny’s dad, Adam, writes:

“Our son Sonny has tricuspid atresia.

 

“He is now 8 and had his Fontan procedure on 19th May of this year.

 

“Thankfully Sonny made a very good recovery and was able to leave hospital two weeks later. He has continued recovering well.

 

“On the 2nd September we went to Hutfest which is a running event. Sonny entered the children’s fun run and managed to complete the 1 mile distance!

 

“This was a huge milestone for Sonny. Prior to his surgery, he struggled to walk up the stairs in our house without getting out of breath.

 

“Me and my wife, Caroline, are forever grateful to all the staff on Ward L51, especially to Miss Carin Van Doorn who carried out the procedure.

“Finally thank you to Children’s Heart Surgery Fund who helped us massively with the accommodation during the early days of surgery, plus being there on the ward regularly with gifts and entertainment.

 

“We just wanted to say a big thank you!”

We’re sure you’ll join us in celebrating Sonny’s extraordinary milestone, made possible by our amazing Leeds Congenital Heart Unit and the generous contributions of our CHSF supporters.

Well done, Sonny. Always keep going for gold!

Albie’s story

Albie’s story

written by mum, Abigail"This is Albie. He is 6 and a half months old. At his 8 week check up, they discovered that he had a heart murmur. "After being referred to Leeds General Infirmary at four months old, we learnt that Albie had Tetralogy of Fallot and will need...

Carin van Doorn to receive OBE in King’s Birthday Honours

Carin van Doorn to receive OBE in King’s Birthday Honours

Ms Carin van Doorn (Consultant Congenital Cardiac Surgeon at Leeds Children’s Hospital and CHSF Charity Trustee) has been awarded Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the King’s Birthday Honours list. Carin is recognised for her enormous contribution to children’s...

CHSF donates £15,000 to Eckersley House

CHSF donates £15,000 to Eckersley House

Children’s Heart Surgery Fund (CHSF) have awarded a further grant of £15,000 towards Eckersley House, a ‘Home from Home’ run by The Sick Children’s Trust for parents with a seriously ill child in hospital. Since being relocated next to the Leeds Children’s Hospital in...