September 3, 2017 
Real Stories 
James was diagnosed with Truncus Arteriosus after a referral was made during his 20-week scan.
James made a surprise appearance 6 weeks early and he was rushed into Leeds General Infirmary.
He was taken straight to the Neonatal Unit and was put on a ventilator.
During the first 10 days of his life, he was very unstable.
His mum Laura says:
James was extremely poorly and we thought he wouldn’t make it through the night. He did, and he had emergency surgery the next day to buy him more time to grow, as he was too small for this full repair.
The first surgery was a success and James underwent a further open heart procedure, once he was big enough a few months later.
The 10 1/2 hour surgery was successful and James went from strength and strength.
Laura describes their time in hospital:
Everyone has shed a lot of tears and have been very scared at times, but as a whole family we have managed to get through the toughest 4 months of our lives. This has just made us stronger.
James will continue to be monitored and will need further open heart surgery throughout childhood.
James is a superstar in our eyes. We are just enjoying our time with him at home and trying to be a normal family.
James’ family are planning a big fundraising event for his first birthday!
