Our History
Founded on 30 October 2009, The Leon Heart Fund was created as a means of supporting the children and families who attend the Cardiac wards at University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff and the Special Care Baby Unit at Singleton Hospital, Swansea.
Our mission is to provide small grants to help parents with hospital expenses for the Paediatric Cardiology Department at University Hospital of Wales and assist in placing small pieces of medical equipment in the home for children with complex needs when the NHS is unable to provide funding. We also provide small grants to support small local charities. We are planning to support the new Special Care Baby Unit at Singleton Hospital, Swansea.
Leon’s Quiet Room was also recently opened at University Hospital of Wales.
Leon’s Story
Leon Montanari was born with a condition that meant he needed a heart transplant at the very young age of 10 months old but despite having to spend a lot of time in and out of hospital during his life, he was a happy, typically mischievous boy with a generous nature.
Despite advances in the care of transplant patients, Leon passed away in 2009 aged 13 and his mum, Julie, wanted to do something that would serve as a fitting memorial to him whilst also giving recognition to the excellent care given to him by the medical and nursing staff in the Paediatric Cardiology Department, University Hospital of Wales.
The Team
Patrons
- Duncan Pow (Actor)
- Duncan Jones (The Ospreys and Wales international)
- Enzo Maccarinelli (Professional Boxer)
- Dan Baker
- Natalie Ann Holborow
Secretary
- Emma Feathers (Solicitor)
Chair
- Julie Montanari
Treasurer
- Kerry Bowden
Trustees
- John Davies (Senior Pharmacist Manager)
- David Thomas (Clinical Lead, Welsh Ambulance)
- Phil Daley
- Nadine Thomas
Retired:
- David Lewis (Neath Port Talbot Councillor for Alltwen).