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
Because of you: Local Specialist Nurses
Thanks to your amazing fundraising, CHSF has been able to fund life-changing care across our region in the form of local Children’s Cardiac Nurse Specialists (CCNS). They have become an extension of the Leeds team and their hard work is valued greatly. By theses...
Because of you: INR Kit Feedback
Thanks to your amazing fundraising, Children’s Heart Surgery Fund (CHSF) are able to purchase INR home testing kits for heart patients of all ages. The Leeds Warfarin Clinic ran an anonymous survey earlier this year to get feedback on INR machines amongst young...
Luca’s Story
When Luca was born, mum Emma and dad Michael discovered Luca had a very loud heart murmur. The day after, they were transferred from Jimmy’s to the Leeds Children’s Hospital for a heart scan. It was then when they received the congenital heart disease (CHD) diagnosis...