FINALIST 2026
"It has been the privilege of my life to care for babies, children, teenagers and adults born with congenital heart defects, and to walk alongside families through some of their most difficult days. Being awarded an OBE in the King’s Birthday Honours this year was a deeply humbling moment.
"But the greatest reward of my career has always been seeing the positive impact of my work on the lives of patients and their families.
"I want to also dedicate this campaign to patients we were unable to save at the LCHU, despite our best efforts. Those who gained their angel wings too early continue to provide the inspiration to improve treatment and care for future generations.
"If my work and career has touched you, or if you simply believe in giving children the best chance at life, I ask you from the bottom of my heart - please donate today.
"Thank you - for your kindness, your support and your belief in CHSF’s mission and the future of the Leeds Congenital Heart Unit. It has been an absolute honour to be a part of this world-class team."
After dedicating her life to children’s cardiac care, Children's Heart Surgery Fund want to ensure that Carin van Doorn's legacy at Leeds lives on after she retires. You can help us do just that. Donate today!
CHSF was started in 1988, operating out of the Heart Unit at Killingbeck Hospital, and was set up to provide extra funding for essential equipment and parent accommodation to help patients, families and staff.
CHSF is the only charity which directly supports the Leeds Congenital Heart Unit (LCHU) - which is based at Leeds Children’s Hospital.
We are the only charity in our region that supports babies, children, teenagers and adults with congenital heart disease.
The LCHU is the only specialist centre for congenital heart disease (CHD) in the region (Yorkshire, The Humber, N.E Lincolnshire and N. Derbyshire), and is known as a ‘world-class centre of excellence’.
Over 17,000 CHD patients of all ages are cared for by the Yorkshire and Humber CHD network every year – the majority at the LCHU, supported by the 19 hospitals with outreach clinics across the region.
Each year, CHSF’s support benefits 23,000+ babies, children and adults in our region comprising patients, their families and staff of the Leeds Congenital Heart Unit and regional clinics. Around 300 families receive tailored financial, practical and wellbeing support from CHSF’s Family Support service each year.
We align with the following UN Sustainable Development Goals:
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