People across Leeds are being urged to ‘Rock the Red’ next Friday, 27 February, as the Children’s Heart Surgery Fund (CHSF) stages its annual Wear Red Day to raise money and awareness for children living with congenital heart conditions.
The campaign, which has become a fixture in schools and workplaces across the city, asks supporters to wear something red as a visible show of solidarity with young heart patients and their families. From red-themed non-uniform days to office collections and community fundraisers, organisers say the aim is simple: bring people together and turn a small act into meaningful support.
A CHSF spokesperson said the day is a chance for the region to stand alongside families facing the anxiety and uncertainty that can come with a child’s heart diagnosis. “Wear Red Day is a reminder that these children and their families are not facing this journey alone. When a whole community gets involved, it sends a powerful message of support — and it raises funds that directly help young patients,” they said.
CHSF works alongside the Leeds Congenital Heart Unit at Leeds General Infirmary, where donations help fund a range of projects, including specialist equipment, research, training and services that support families while their child is receiving care. The charity says every contribution, no matter the size, helps strengthen the support available for children undergoing treatment and recovery.
Across Leeds, plans are already taking shape. Schools are lining up red-themed activities, while businesses are being urged to get involved with workplace events, raffles and collection drives. Community groups and residents can also play their part by staging bake sales, sponsored walks or family-friendly get-togethers — with organisers stressing that every effort counts, whether it’s a small gesture or a larger fundraising push.
Social media is also expected to play a major role, with participants asked to share photos and messages using the hashtag #WearRedDay to help spread the word beyond Leeds and encourage wider participation. Please sign-up to fundraise today www.chsf.org.uk
At the heart of the campaign are the stories of children who have faced heart surgery and the families who have been supported through diagnosis, treatment and follow-up care. Organisers say these personal experiences are what give Wear Red Day its emotional weight — transforming a splash of colour into a reminder of why community-backed healthcare charities matter.
CHSF says it has been able to approve funding for projects totalling millions of pounds in recent years, made possible through public donations, corporate support and the efforts of fundraisers across the region.
DONATE BY TEXT: To support Wear Red Day by text message, text CHSFWRD (plus any amount up to 20) to 70085. Make a Donation at www.justgiving.com
To give £5 text: CHSFWRD 5 to 70085
To give £10 text: CHSFWRD 10 to 70085
To give £15 text: CHSFWRD 15 to 70085
To give £20 text: CHSFWRD 20 to 70085
Supporters can take part by wearing red on Friday 27 February, holding a fundraising event, making a donation, or volunteering to help the charity’s work. “We’re only able to help because of the public’s support,” the charity added. “Wear Red Day is one day in the calendar — but the impact can last a lifetime for the children and families who need it most.”
- Facebook: facebook.com/ChildrensHeartSurgeryFund
- 𝕏: x.com/CHSurgeryFund
- CHSF website: chsf.org.uk
- JustGiving: www.justgiving.com/chsf
- Bank transfer: Virgin Money Sort code: 05-04-14 Account number: 24204715 (Please use your “SURNAME” followed by “WRD” as a reference)
- Cheques to: Children’s Heart Surgery Fund, Suite B5, Joseph’s Well, Hanover Walk, Leeds, LS3 1AB.
Our vision is to support hearts for life and our mission is to support the Leeds Congenital Heart Unit in becoming a world class centre of excellence – by providing the funding and resources needed to care for a patient’s heart, mind, family and future.
Don’t forget to share photos of your Wear Red Day fun with us on social media, using the hashtag #WearRedDay or email your photos to us at info@chsf.org.uk
THANK YOU 
