Support 'Wear Red Day' and raise vital funds for Leeds Congenital Heart Unit ⋆ Leeds Star (2024)

Children’s Heart Surgery Fund (CHSF) are once again hoping to see a red wave across our region on February 3rd to help support babies and children living with Congenital Heart Disease (CHD).

On the first Friday in February join CHSF and wear something red to show support and raise awareness of congenital heart disease. Rock the red at home from your office and keep the kids entertained with our RED fundraising activities – just make sure you spread the word and let everyone know why you’ll be wearing red in February. Wear Red Day is a fantastic annual event that generates vital, life-saving income for our charity to support the Leeds Congenital Heart Unit, our patients and families.

Based at the Leeds Children’s Hospital, Children’s Heart Surgery Fundcovers the regions of Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire. Around 450 babies, children and adults from these regions need open heart surgery every year. We aim to ensure these patients have the best possible care and to help their families in whatever way needed during their stay in hospital. Our work is overseen by a board of Trustees – made up of clinical staff, parents and business leaders.

We raise money to help the Leeds Congenital Heart Unit at the General Infirmary provide superb care for its patients and their families, but our work doesn’t stop there. More than 40% of the patients who have an operation will need long-term care, and each year 17,500 babies, children and adults pass through the unit. Your generosity can really mean the world to children and adults with congenital heart disease across Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire. Whatever you can give will make a huge difference.

Working alongside the Leeds Congenital Heart Unit at Leeds General Infirmary, we are funded by generous donations from the general public, our corporate supporters and by the amazing efforts of our fundraisers. We’re only able to help because of your support, thank you.

Can you, your child’s school or your workplace help raise vital funds on Friday, February 3rd? When you sign up to take part in Wear Red Day, you will receive your FREE fundraising pack – full of ideas and resources to make sure your celebrations go off with a bang. Get started by registering below www.chsf.org.uk

Dickie Bird OBE, Children’s Heart Surgery Fund Ambassador said:

“I can’t think of a better use of my money than helping babies and children in my home county who need heart surgery to survive. Every time I visit the heart ward, I’m humbled to meet youngsters and their families facing the huge battles ahead with smiles on their faces. Their incredible bravery underlines why everyone should get behind this tremendous cause.”

We challenge you to run, walk, swim or cycle the distance of one mile while wearing red in February for Heart Awareness Month. By taking on the RED MILE you will be raising awareness of congenital heart disease as well as generating vital funds to support hearts for life. You can join in the challenge by registering for Wear Red Day and opening a JustGiving page. Remember to share your activity with family, friends and colleagues and ask them to sponsor and support you in your Red Mile challenge.