Businesses, schools and communities across the North East came together in February to support Wear Red for Chuf 2026, with over £10,000 raised for children, young people and adults living with heart conditions.
On 20th February, offices, shop floors and classrooms were filled with red, as people got involved in one of the charity’s most recognisable campaigns. Organisations across the region hosted dress-down days, bake sales and held team fundraising activities to help raise awareness and vital funds.
At the Freeman Hospital, the Children’s Heart Unit was filled with red as patients, families and staff marked the day together. The ward was full of smiles and a real sense of community, highlighting just how much the campaign means to those supported by Chuf.
For some businesses, Wear Red for Chuf also provided an introduction to Chuf’s Changemakers programme, a growing network of businesses committed to supporting heart families across the North East through fundraising, partnerships and longer-term involvement.
Funds raised through the campaign will help Chuf continue to provide practical, emotional and lifelong support to patients treated by the Children’s Heart Unit at the Freeman Hospital, as well as cardiac services across the North East and Cumbria. This includes funding equipment and research beyond NHS provision, alongside initiatives that support families through some of their most challenging moments.
Charlotte Campbell, Director of Fundraising and Operations at Chuf, said: “Wear Red for Chuf is always a really special moment for us. Seeing businesses, schools and communities across the North East come together like this makes a real difference.
“The funds raised are vital, but just as important is the support it shows to heart families. We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who took part this year and helped make the campaign such a success.”
Because of that support, heart families across the North East will continue to receive the care and support they need, all year round.