Heart hero Harry had life-saving open heart surgery at Leeds, in October this year.
From Harrogate, mum Shawney tells us a bit more about the brilliant work of the Leeds Congenital Heart Unit and how their family were looked after in CHSF-funded accommodation while Harry was being treated, meaning she could always be a stones-throw away…
Shawney said:
“Harry had his surgery on the 23th October 2023 to close his ventricular septal defect (VSD) and atrial septal defect (ASD).
“Both were detected after a murmur was picked up at birth.
“Harry spent some time in the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU), followed by HDU (High Dependency Unit) before being moved onto the children’s heart ward (L51).
“He was home after just 7 days.
About Ventricular Septal Defect
About Atrial Septal Defect
“We stayed for three nights in Brotherton Wing. It made it so much easier not having to be away from Harry.”
“We stayed for two nights in a room while Harry was on PICU, then we stayed for three nights in CHSF-funded rooms on the Brotherton Wing.
“It made it so much easier not having to be away from Harry after his surgery, and also meant I could continue to feed Harry myself.
“It would just be a call when he was due, and I could just nip to the ward!
Harry at home after his surgery with his Katie Bear teddy and medal
“Every single person involved in Harry’s care over his stay were truly incredible.
“It was the most terrifying time of our lives but the amazing network of staff and support from other parents made it so much easier!
“We continue to have check-ups but fingers crossed everything is going well! Huge thank you to all involved.
Since our charity was founded in 1988, around 10,000 families have stayed in CHSF-funded accommodation.
13 babies are diagnosed with congenital heart disease in the UK every day. This year alone we have supported double the families that we did in 2022.
We need to raise at least £10,000 every year to fund CHSF accommodation.
Please donate what you can to help us reach our goal and ensure heart families just like Harry’s can #StayAnotherDay.
If you can go the extra mile (so heart parents don’t have to), please consider setting up a regular gift to CHSF to enable more families to #StayAnotherDay throughout the year!
CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS WITH CHSF
Have a festive flutter on the 2023 Christmas Raffle, or maybe you could buy a pack of Xmas cards. Want a challenge? You can Step Into Christmas by walking a marathon in December, or Jingle All the Way to 5K with Team CHSF!
The most wonderful time of the year is almost upon us again. Can you help us be there for heart warriors all year round?
Visit our Christmas page to see more ways you can support CHSF this festive season!
CHSF nominated in Smiley Charity Film Awards
CHSF needs your votes in the Smiley Charity Film Awards 2026! Children’s Heart Surgery Fund is up for an award in the Smiley Charity Film Awards 2026, the world’s leading campaign celebrating films for good, and is calling on the public to vote and help their film...
Nelly’s Grand Year
After Nelly’s Tetralogy of Fallot repair in September 2024 her parents wanted to give back, so took on the ‘Have a Grand 2025’ fundraising challenge with the aim of raising £1,000. They opened their JustGiving page in January 2025 and by the end of the year raised an...
Support for families: December 2025
During the month of December... 38 referrals received for targeted Family Support 39 families engaged with 11 young people and their families worked with and supported 337 families supported in 2025 As we look back on the year, we reflect with pride on what the Family...
Support for families: November 2025
“That was the best night sleep I had in weeks! You don’t realise it, but having those beds there when I needed it was amazing”” - heart dad - about CHSF-funded parent roomsDuring the month of November... 24 referrals received for targeted Family Support 12 families...
About The Big Give #ChristmasCampaign 2025
What? The Big Give #ChristmasChallenge is our Christmas campaign for this year and all donations you give NOW are doubled - but please hurry, the campaign doesn't last long! When? Tuesday 2nd December midday - Tuesday 9th December midday Why? To fund parent...
Job – Office Administrator
Job opportunityOffice Administrator We are looking to recruit an Office Administrator to join our dedicated team. The role will provide support across our finance, fundraising and governance functions. The ideal candidate will work closely with the Finance, Resource...