“After 7 weeks in hospital, we are finally home with our little girl – Honey.

 

“Honey has been through more in her first 7 weeks of life than most of us will in a lifetime.

 

“Born with a heart defect – coarctated aorta – she’s battled a chest infection, a stomach infection, and a 6-hour open heart surgery to repair her heart.

Coarctation of the aorta means part of the main artery in the body is narrower than it should be. The narrowing stops blood from flowing as easily as it should, so the heart has to work harder to pump blood through the body. This can cause the left ventricle (one of your heart’s main pumping chambers) to become thicker and your heart to become weaker.

“Through it all she has shown a strength that we can only describe as incredible. She will have a scar, but that scar will always be a testament to her bravery and how hard she has fought from day one. We couldn’t be prouder of her.

 

“We want to publicly thank all of the amazing staff at Leeds Children’s Hospital who cared for her over the past 7 weeks. You truly are unbelievable at what you do. A special thank you to Dr Jaber, who performed the life-saving operation that has given her the chance to live a long and healthy life.

“We’re also so grateful to the Children’s Heart Surgery Fund for their support, and to our close friends and family who have helped us more than they probably realise during this time.

 

“Now we’re finally home, we can start being a normal family and focus on what really matters – making memories together.”

— Honey’s parents, Connor & Kate

Because of you, we can keep being there for heart heroes like Honey and their families.

By making a donation to CHSF you are ensuring vital funding to the Leeds Congenital Heart Unit and personalised support to families when they need us most.

Stay Another Day: Harry’s Story

Stay Another Day: Harry’s Story

Heart hero Harry had life-saving open heart surgery at Leeds, in October this year. From Harrogate, mum Shawney tells us a bit more about the brilliant work of the Leeds Congenital Heart Unit and how their family were looked after in CHSF-funded accommodation while...

Stay Another Day: Olly’s Story

Stay Another Day: Olly’s Story

Olly is 9 years old and he had open heart surgery at the Leeds Congenital Heart Unit this year. On 4th February this year, Olly was admitted to hospital with breathing difficulties. He didn’t come home for 48 days. Many of those days were spent in an induced coma, on...

Sonny’s Amazing Mile

Sonny’s Amazing Mile

At CHSF, we a so grateful witness countless inspiring stories of strength and resilience from children and their families as they navigate the challenges of congenital heart conditions. Sonny is just one of those children…Sonny's dad, Adam, writes: “Our son Sonny has...