Eliza-Rose has had three open heart surgeries at the Leeds Congenital Heart Unit and isn’t even two. Mum Charlotte and dad Ben told us a bit more about Eliza-Rose’s journey with CHD so far and why they think it is important to support Wear Red Day…
“Eliza-Rose was diagnosed with a congenital heart defect at 20 weeks called Pulmonary Atresia with a ventricular septal defect. She underwent open heart surgery at just 11 days old to fit a BT Shunt.
“After being at home around two weeks, Eliza-Rose was re-admitted to Ward 51 with a really bad wound infection. This led to Eliza-Rose having her chest open for two weeks, and a seven week stay in hospital.
“Eliza-Rose is now 17 months old and has not long since had her third open heart surgery.
“Wear Red Day is very important to us and all the other heart families out there. It’s a day that helps to celebrate all the heart heroes.
“It means a lot to us as we know some of the money raised at events and fundraisers like this has contributed to the support we have received and the care that Eliza-Rose has had, and will continue to need throughout her journey.
“We are so grateful for everyone who wears red and supports Children Heart Surgery Fund!”
Wear Red Day is the biggest event in our calendar that generates vital, life-saving income for our charity to support patients like Eliza-Rose, their families and the Leeds Congenital Heart Unit.
From red raffles and bake sales, to getting your whole school or workplace involved, what could you do to raise some extra £££’s for CHSF this Wear Red Day?
Congrats Carin Van Doorn OBE
We are delighted to congratulate Carin van Doorn on receiving her OBE from His Majesty The King at Windsor Castle earlier this month. The award recognises Carin's outstanding services to Children's Heart Surgery and Charity during a remarkable career dedicated to...
UK first for Leeds Congenital Echo Team
We're delighted to share some incredible news from the Leeds Congenital Heart Unit Echo department. The Congenital Echo Department at Leeds General Infirmary has become the first congenital department in the UK to achieve Departmental Accreditation from the British...
Support for families: June 2026
"When your child is having open heart surgery in hospital, it is so frightening and worrisome we were just so glad that we had this charity to support us and other families who went through the same thing without your support."-- heart mumDuring the month of June......





