written by Sian’s sister, Rachael
My son Samuel was born on 30th October 2014 in our local hospital. It was clear straight away there were complications, but no one was sure what they were.
Following various tests, he was transported later that day to the cardiac ward at Leed’s Children’s Hospital. Here he was diagnosed with transposition of the great arteries and a coarctation. He was supported in PICU for two weeks until he was ready for heart surgery.
The team at the Leeds Congenital Heart Unit provided Samuel, and us, with incredible support through this stay in hospital. His life saving surgery was long and complex, performed by Mr Jaber and his team.
Sian, with her nephew Samuel
What an incredible job they did! Following four weeks in the care of the staff on the cardiac ward, Samuel came home. He continued with regular checks for the first year and the support team were always there on the end of the phone. He now sees a consultant every two years for routine check-ups.
Thanks to everyone involved, Samuel thoroughly enjoys a very active and incredibly happy, healthy life and we will all be eternally grateful for the expert care and attention that he received during a very challenging time.
My sister Sian was an amazing doctor and dedicated Aunty. Her professional career was committed to working and improving the lives of children.
For all of these reasons we chose Children’s Heart Surgery Fund to be nominated as the charity for donations to be made in her memory. We are very grateful for the generosity of her family, friends and colleagues and hope that the funds raised will continue to make a difference for other children that benefit from the work of CHSF, just like Samuel did.
A wonderful £1,173 raised for our heart unit, patients and families in memory of Sian Firth.
Thank you so much to all of Sian’s family, friends and colleagues for thinking of Children’s Heart Surgery Fund at such a difficult time.
We are so very grateful for your generous donation in support of our work supporting hearts for life.
We can only do what we do because of people like you. Thank you.
Donating in memory is a touching way to remember a loved one, celebrating their life and supporting a cause which was important to them. You can read more about donating in memory here or get in touch with the team on 0113 831 4810 | info@chsf.org.uk
READ MORE…
Maisy
Maisy was diagnosed with Down syndrome shortly after birth, and at just 7 months old, she had open heart surgery at the Leeds Congenital Heart Unit. Her mum Laura has kindly shared their journey - from diagnosis, and the care Maisy received, to the support they’ve had...
Blake
Blake's mum, Chelsea, said: “My partner Matthew and I found out that Blake had something wrong with his heart when he suddenly was really poorly on 30th September 2022. “We took him to Chesterfield Hospital to be seen and Matthew and I were told he had sepsis,...
Albie’s story
written by mum, Abigail"This is Albie. He is 6 and a half months old. At his 8 week check up, they discovered that he had a heart murmur. "After being referred to Leeds General Infirmary at four months old, we learnt that Albie had Tetralogy of Fallot and will need...