November 6, 2026 
Family 
“I can always text you when we are on the wards. Any help you give us is always appreciated.” — heart mum
72 families supported in October
44 families received a tailored package of Family Support
28 families engaged with
5 new travel grants given
39 supermarket vouchers given
146 visits to the ward
10 one to one Youth Work sessions
20 Comfort & Care packs given
57 received Wellbeing Support
Support at every stage
No tricks, just treats
There were no tricks and all treats on our Halloween wellbeing trolley this month. The wonderful Fundraising and Marketing team took it out and about on the wards to brighten patients, families and staff in hospital during spooky season.
I would walk 500 miles and I would walk 500 more…
This month the Family Support team hit 1,000 ward visits made across the four wards we support – Ward L51,Ward L47 (PICU), Ward L43 (Neonates) and Ward L16 (Adult ward).
A moment of hope
When an 8-day old baby was admitted for surgery, Children’s Heart Surgery Fund was there to deliver the right support at the right time. When we see the instant look of relief on parents’ faces, we know we are exactly where we are supposed to be.
“That’s fantastic, I can’t believe it, it’s exactly what we needed”
Kind words sent during a time of unimaginable grief
“Thank you so much for all your support over the last 13 weeks! You guys have been amazing in caring for us! Your regular check in’s, little gifts, vouchers and cardiac cafes meant the world to us, thank you”
Cardiac Cafes
In-patient cafes at Eckersley House
Teamwork makes the dream work! A big thank you to our friends at Eckersley House for letting us use their kitchen space to run the Children’s Heart Surgery Fund In-patient Cardiac Cafes.
This space offers parents a time out from the ward, opportunities to come together with other heart families and have a brew and a chat with the Family Support team to feel less alone during their hospital journey.
York
at this month’s regional Cardiac Cafe we were joined by two adult heart patients and two heart warriors, along with their families, for a morning filled with spooky crafts and bacon butties!
November’s Cardiac Cafe is in Bradford where we will be partnering with some fantastic services and Local CCNS Araminta will be joining us too. Come along if you can!
