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…
Jessica
Jessica Thomas, 13, excels at dancing after overcoming heart defect A teenager who had an eight-hour open heart operation at just six months old has been described as 'inspirational' after excelling as a dancer.Jessica doesn't let her heart condition hold her back....
Simon
Simon from Scunthorpe was born in the the early 80's with congenital heart disease. He was diagnosed with a heart murmur and a hole in his heart when he was six. But it wasn’t until a few years later, after developing an infection, that Simon, his family and doctors...
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...