More than 2,000 red balloons were released in a show of solidarity for the threatened Leeds Children’s Heart Surgery Unit.

Surgeons, cardiologists and nurses joined forces at Leeds General Infirmary to release 2,101 balloons – one for every interventional and surgical procedure conducted by the unit for children and adults in the last three years. The gathering took place on the day the Independent Reconfiguration Panel was due to report its recommendations on the future of children’s heart surgery services to Health Secretary, Jeremy Hunt.

Sharon Cheng of the Leeds campaign group, Save Our Surgery said: “This is a significant show of support and celebration from the Leeds cardiac team, who have had to deal with incredible stress over the last few weeks while continuing their absolute focus on the care of children.”