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?
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...