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!
Trustee Week: Introducing Ryan Wilkinson
Your name: Ryan Wilkinson Occupation: Tax Director @ BHP, Chartered AccountantsTell me about your heart hero: "My heart hero is Vinnie (my son) who is now aged 4 who was diagnosed with Dilated Cardiomyopathy. Thankfully the condition is managed with medication, and no...
Trustee Week: Introducing Sophie Dunn
Your name: Sophie Dunn Occupation: Director of Sales, The MotoristTell us about your heart hero: "My son Leo is 4 years & 3 months and was diagnosed with Tetralogy of Fallot, with an additional VSD. Leo had his repair surgery just 11 days before his 1st Birthday....
Support for families: October 2025
“I was most supported whilst we were in hospital and I was away from all my family alone. I remember having visits at the side of the bed and a friendly face to talk to as well as wellbeing trolleys etc!”” - heart mumDuring the month of October... 12 referrals...
Trustee Week: Introducing Jason King
Your name: Jason King Occupation: Group Head of People @ Westfield HealthTell me about your heart hero: "My heart hero is my daughter, Amelia, who is currently 18 months old. Amelia was diagnosed with Tetralogy of Fallot before birth and had open heart surgery at 6...
Fundraiser of the Month: Lil Louie Big Heart
Jess and Callum, parents to heart warrior Louie, organised a Family Fun Day in August this year August. To raise even more funds for CHSF, friends decided to also incorporate a sponsored bike ride too!Jess told us a bit more about Louie’s story and how it inspired...
Because of Carin: Billy
As part of our Because of Carin campaign, celebrating the incredible career of Carin van Doorn, Billy’s family share their memories of her support. Carin performed two life-saving heart surgeries on Billy - and their words show just how much her care and dedication...