17-year old Alfie’s family found out he had congenital heart disease (CHD) when he was just 2 months old.
Following multiple procedures, Alfie is now enjoying life both as a teenager and keen LUFC supporter, as mum Kirsty tells us:
“Alfie was only 7 weeks old when we found out he had congenital heart disease. He was diagnosed with aortic stenosis and mitral valve regeneration and at 8 weeks he had a ballooning done of his aortic valve to help widen it.
“Alfie got sick again at 10 months old and was admitted to LGI once more. Again it was decided then that the surgeons would replace his mitral valve for a mechanical one, and he was put on Warfarin to help thin his blood so it could pass through the valve and round the heart.
“His next operation happened at age 5 as the mechanical valve had outgrown him. Then when he was 14 he went for open heart surgery again, but this time he had his aortic and mitral valves replaced and an aortic arch repair.
Alfie is now 17
“After this surgery, Alfie became ill. He had got endocarditis and this required a 6 week stay for IV antibiotics. This was hard to take in at first, but eventually it did and this again was explained well and we were talked through every test and treatment option.
“When Alfie was first admitted we were given a lovely family room by CHSF which was helpful as we weren’t far from him. The most recent time he was admitted, we were also offered a room, but we wanted another family to have this as we do not live far. We were also given a welcome pack with essentials in.
“I also had travel expenses paid weekly to help with journeys to and from the hospital as I needed a break once a week, plus I had to catch up on washing. They also provided Alfie with a takeaway voucher so he could have movie night once a week. He is autistic and found it hard to adapt and his stay very hard.
“CHSF helped us with an INR home testing machine to save us having to visit hospital for blood tests (which would have been up to 3 times a week) which Alfie hated. This had a big impact on home life and made it much more normal.
“CHSF also donated a Leeds United ticket to Alfie, where he had a meal and watched the match – he absolutely loves his team. This was so thoughtful and Alfie enjoyed every moment. Alfie and his dad raised £500 back in lockdown for CHSF as we wanted to give something back. As a family we can’t thank the charity enough!
Wear red in Feb for the thousands of children in our region like Alfie!
Sign up to take part in Wear Red Day this February to raise vital awareness of congenital heart disease, and life-saving funds for CHSF!
Unable to do your own Wear Red event this month?
Donate online to our Wear Red Day 2025 Justgiving page
Donate by text: Text CHSFWRD (plus any amount up to 20) to 70085
(e.g. To give £5 text: CHSFWRD 5 to 70085)
Spread the word: Tell your friends, family, school or business all about our campaign – and how easy it is to sign up! Thank you.
Danny #ScarSelfie
Danny Hirst, 20, was born with a hole in his heart and had it repaired by open heart surgery in Leeds when he was 11. A year later, he had further open heart surgery to replace his aortic heart valve.Danny told us how he feels about his scar, and how life is treating...
Dairygold “Tour De Francis” 127 mile cycle
A cycling team of Dairygold colleagues are taking on the length of the Leeds Liverpool Canal this weekend to raise funds for CHSF. Their inspiration? Heart warrior, Francis! Named the “Tour De Francis” Dairygold Cycle Ride 2024, the team will cycle the 127 miles from...
Oliver: “My heart story”
Meet Oliver from Hull who was born with a heart condition called Tetralogy of fallot. Thanks to the life-saving work of the Leeds Congenital Heart Unit, Oliver is thriving and has been able to pursue art as a hobby and, more recently, a career in finance!Now 22,...