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 Harry was being treated, meaning she could always be a stones-throw away…
Shawney said:
“Harry had his surgery on the 23th October 2023 to close his ventricular septal defect (VSD) and atrial septal defect (ASD).
“Both were detected after a murmur was picked up at birth.
“Harry spent some time in the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU), followed by HDU (High Dependency Unit) before being moved onto the children’s heart ward (L51).
“He was home after just 7 days.
About Ventricular Septal Defect
About Atrial Septal Defect
“We stayed for three nights in Brotherton Wing. It made it so much easier not having to be away from Harry.”
“We stayed for two nights in a room while Harry was on PICU, then we stayed for three nights in CHSF-funded rooms on the Brotherton Wing.
“It made it so much easier not having to be away from Harry after his surgery, and also meant I could continue to feed Harry myself.
“It would just be a call when he was due, and I could just nip to the ward!
Harry at home after his surgery with his Katie Bear teddy and medal
“Every single person involved in Harry’s care over his stay were truly incredible.
“It was the most terrifying time of our lives but the amazing network of staff and support from other parents made it so much easier!
“We continue to have check-ups but fingers crossed everything is going well! Huge thank you to all involved.
Since our charity was founded in 1988, around 10,000 families have stayed in CHSF-funded accommodation.
13 babies are diagnosed with congenital heart disease in the UK every day. This year alone we have supported double the families that we did in 2022.
We need to raise at least £10,000 every year to fund CHSF accommodation.
Please donate what you can to help us reach our goal and ensure heart families just like Harry’s can #StayAnotherDay.
If you can go the extra mile (so heart parents don’t have to), please consider setting up a regular gift to CHSF to enable more families to #StayAnotherDay throughout the year!
CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS WITH CHSF
Have a festive flutter on the 2023 Christmas Raffle, or maybe you could buy a pack of Xmas cards. Want a challenge? You can Step Into Christmas by walking a marathon in December, or Jingle All the Way to 5K with Team CHSF!
The most wonderful time of the year is almost upon us again. Can you help us be there for heart warriors all year round?
Visit our Christmas page to see more ways you can support CHSF this festive season!
Bringing the Gerlis Collection to Life
The Gerlis Collection, consisting of 785 human hearts with defects, is being brought to life in stunning 3D holograms and models, because of you!Back in the 1960s, Killingbeck Hospital in Leeds pioneered congenital heart defect repairs when knowledge was still...
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...
New ECHO Software for LCHU
Because of you, CHSF have been able to fund new state-of-the-art software for the Congenital Echo department at the Leeds Congenital Heart Unit. The team got it up and running in July, and it's already making a big difference in the clinic! This software provides the...
Leila’s fellowship in Canada: One year on
Leila is a Paediatric Cardiologist at our wonderful Leeds Congenital Heart Unit caring for our youngest heart patients and their families, before and after surgery. Last year, Children's Heart Surgery Fund collaborated with Leeds Hospitals Charity to offer financial...
Fundraiser of the Month: Sam and Victoria ride from Chesterfield to LGI
Sam is an adult heart patient and recently underwent his third open heart surgery, at Leeds General Infirmary (LGI). He wanted to give something back as a testament to the amazing care he’d received whilst in hospital. Sam decided, along with his partner Victoria, to...
Firewalk
Can you handle the heat? Face your fears and walk on hot coals this November to raise life-saving funds for our heart unit, patients and families. DateSunday 19th November 2023 Time3:30pm - 7:30pm LocationMorley Cricket Club, LS27 0JJYou will undertake an intense...