“We owe everything to the incredible team at CHSF.”
The Yorkshire Theatre ballet stage is set for brave young dancing star Ava
An 11-year-old girl from Liversedge in West Yorkshire who was born with two holes in her heart and required open heart surgery aged just 10 weeks old will take to the stage next month as part of Yorkshire Theatre Ballet.
Yorkshire Post, 30 April 2024
Richard Fidler, Features Writer
Ava Brearley started to dance aged two at Elaine Howarth’s Centre Stage in Cleckheaton and has regularly competed in dance festivals, competitions and championships winning a variety of medals and trophies along the way before landing a part in a ballet production of Snow White.
But her journey from operating theatre to the stage at Leeds Carriageworks Theatre on May 24-25 has been far from easy after scans during pregnancy discovered that she was suffering from a Atrioventricular septal defect, a congenital heart disease.
Mum Rebecca Brearley said:
“Ava was diagnosed at our 20-week scan, we remember the day like it was yesterday. The excitement of seeing her and hearing her heart beat again, the only decision thinking we had to make would be, do we find out the gender?
“During the scan we had no nerves, but they asked us to go for a little walk to see if she would move as they wanted her to be in a different position. We still never thought anything was wrong and when we returned after the walk there were two sonographers in the room and they said ‘your baby has a problem with its heart, it as not formed as we would have hoped and we will refer you to Leeds for further tests’.”
With a bank holiday delaying the initial appointment, Rebecca and dad Danny were understandably worried. But now under the care of Leeds Congenital Heart Unit things began to move much quicker.
Ava had life-saving open heart surgery at 10 weeks old at the Leeds Congenital Heart Unit
“Ava’s journey at Leeds started earlier than expected,” said Rebecca. “She was due to have the surgery at six months, but started showing signs of struggling within her first few weeks. Unbeknownst to us, Leeds Children’s Hospital was at this point going to be our home for the next two to three months.
“The surgery was delayed twice due to other complications and she was admitted into intensive care twice before she finally had her surgery at 10 weeks old. The surgery day was very bittersweet. The day we had longed for had finally arrived and she was finally well enough to go ahead with the operation – the start of getting her better and the chance of a full, happy life.
“However, handing over your baby girl to have open heart surgery was so emotionally difficult. The team were incredible, knew exactly how to support us and what we needed to hear at that very time. The day felt to be neverending. After 12 hours we finally got the call she was out of surgery and back in intensive care.”
There is a possibility that Ava may need more surgery in the future.
Rebecca continued:
“We were escorted into a side room to discuss how the surgery went. I actually don’t recall too much from this meeting but my brain picked out ‘we have repaired the holes and her valve and we are happy with how the surgery went’. That was all I needed to hear right then – now let’s go and see our brave little heart warrior.
“Seeing her all wired up, swollen and with her scar for the first time, I remember feeling so incredibly happy and proud.” And 10 years post-surgery Ava continues to thrive. There is the possibility she could require further surgery in the future on her valves as they have always leaked slightly and Ava attends annual check-ups with Dr Barwick who is pleased with her progress.
Rebecca said:
“The support from CHSF was incredible, without them our journey would have been so much harder. We had been given a family room to stay in when Ava was very poorly, allowing us to stay close at all times whilst also giving us time to spend together with our other children – Ella, 13, and Sam, 4.”
As soon as she was able, dancing became a huge part of Ava’s life. She has successfully auditioned to be a Northern Ballet junior associate for the past two years along with being offered a place on their Centre of Advanced Training programme from September.
“To see her in her first production is so special,” said Rebecca. “We never thought this would have been possible from what Ava went through as a baby. We are so incredibly proud of Ava and her dedication, passion and love for ballet. We owe everything to the incredible team at CHSF.”
Tickets for Snow White are available at www.carriageworkstheatre.co.uk.
To make a donation to CHSF, visit chsf.org.uk/donate
Grant’s Jump for Joseph
CHSF supporter Grant Houldsworth is dad to heart hero Joseph, and is taking part in our 15,000ft Skydive to thank "all the people who played a part in saving my son’s life". When Joseph was a week old, the family found out he had Coarctation of the Aorta and two...
Luca’s Story
When Luca was born, mum Emma and dad Michael discovered Luca had a very loud heart murmur. The day after, they were transferred from Jimmy’s to the Leeds Children’s Hospital for a heart scan. It was then when they received the congenital heart disease (CHD) diagnosis...
Running for a Reason: Louise
Bradford-based adult patient Louise McCormick received open heart surgery aged 7 at Killingbeck Hospital. Now 41, Louise celebrated her 40th year by completing an enviable set of running fundraisers for CHSF in 2024. She isn’t taking her foot of the pedal this year...
Support for families: January 2025
At CHSF, we know that a hospital stay can be overwhelming, and the impact of congenital heart disease (CHD) extends beyond medical treatment. That’s why our Family Support team is there to provide practical assistance, wellbeing support and moments of respite to...
Alfie’s Story
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...
Zak’s Story
We know it’s vitally important to share your journeys with congenital heart disease. Your experiences are both reassuring and educational for other heart families, and provide vital awareness for others. 3-year old Zak’s condition was found by complete coincidence,...