Businesses, schools and communities across the North East are being encouraged to wear red this February as Chuf (Children’s Heart Unit Fund) launches Wear Red for Chuf 2026, its annual awareness and fundraising campaign supporting children, young people and adults living with heart conditions.
Taking place on 20th February, the event invites individuals and organisations to wear something red, host a themed fundraiser or workplace activity, to help raise vital funds for heart families across the region. From offices and factory floors to classrooms and community groups, the campaign offers a simple but powerful way to show support.
Funds raised through Wear Red for Chuf help the charity to provide practical, emotional and lifelong care 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 capacity, as well as initiatives that help families through some of their most challenging moments.
Previous Wear Red campaigns have seen communities across the region go above and beyond. Last year, West Park Primary School brought together its nursery and whole school community, raising more than £1,000. What began as a small nursery activity grew into a whole-school event, with pupils and staff arriving in red and learning about the charity during a special assembly.
The mum of Heart Hero Teddy said: “What I thought was just going to be a small celebration turned into something incredibly special for our whole school community. Seeing everyone arrive in red was such an emotional moment. We’re so grateful to the school and to Chuf for the incredible work they do for families like ours.”
Headteacher Louise Sheffield added: “Supporting Chuf felt especially meaningful for our school. It was a chance to say thank you, while showing our children the power of kindness and coming together to help others.”
The campaign also forms part of Chuf’s growing Changemakers programme, which brings together local businesses committed to making a positive impact in their communities.
Charlotte Campbell, Director of Fundraising and Operations at Chuf, said: “Wear Red for Chuf is one of our most accessible and inclusive campaigns. It’s a chance for workplaces, schools and communities to come together, start conversations about heart health and raise funds that make a real difference locally. The support we see from North East businesses year after year is incredible.”
The charity is encouraging organisations of all sizes to get involved, either as a one-off activity or as the beginning of an ongoing partnership with Chuf.
Registration for Wear Red for Chuf 2026 is now open, with fundraising packs, resources and ideas available to support participants.