Your name: Jason King
Occupation: Group Head of People @ Westfield Health
Tell 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 months at Leeds Congenital Heart Unit. This was an incredibly difficult time for our family, and CHSF and team at LCHU were there for us – offering practical, emotional, and financial support when we needed it most.
“The weeks and months after our scan we had lots of support from Marie and the rest of the amazing specialist nurses at LCHU, along with team based at the Sheffield Children’s hospital. Navigating such unknowns was a real challenge, but both my wife and I will be forever grateful for the support and care we had during this time.
“From the wellbeing trolley during our stay in intensive care, to accommodation, and the compassionate support from Lucy and the team; CHSF made an enormous difference during the most emotionally and physically draining period of our lives. My wife has since attended a Cardiac Café event in Sheffield, which gave her space, reassurance, and connection with others who understand what life after surgery can look like.
“One moment that truly stayed with us was when Amelia received her certificate and Katie Bear after surgery. That small gesture meant the world; it reminded us that we weren’t just another case in a system, but a family being cared for by people who genuinely understood what we were going through.”
Why did you want to join the Board of Trustees at CHSF?
“I wanted to join the Board to give back to the charity that provided my family with such vital support during a critical time. I feel such a strong connection to CHSF’s mission. I am honoured to give back as a trustee and help guide the charity’s future so that other families, like mine, can feel the same compassion, support, and strength at their most vulnerable time. I am committed to helping CHSF continue to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children with heart conditions and their families.”
What professional skills and personal insights will you bring to the Board?
“Professionally, I bring extensive leadership experience in HR and organisational development, with a focus on strategy, team management, inclusion, wellbeing, and people engagement. I have a MSc in HR along with being a member of the CIPD. Personally, as a heart dad of a child who has received life-changing care, I bring insight into the challenges families face, the importance of compassionate support, and a dedication to ensuring the charity’s resources make the maximum impact.”
Find out more about our charity trustees
Inflatable 5K for Mabel
Leah and Brad found out the 20 week scan that their daughter, Mabel, had Coarctation of the aorta, a large Ventricular septal defect (VSD) and a smaller left side of the heart. She had open heart surgery at five days old. Now Mabel's family are taking on the Leeds...
Support for families: May 2026
"The support was amazing and the team got me through the hardest time of my life. Amazing support" -- heart mumDuring the month of May... 39 families worked with overall 23 families received a tailored packaged of Family Support 8 families engaged with -- 6 young...
Ruth’s Round-up | June 2026
As we head into a busy summer for Children’s Heart Surgery Fund, it’s a great moment to reflect on the incredible connections we’ve been building - and the exciting opportunities ahead. Recently, I had the privilege of attending the Somerville Heart Foundation’s...