Sophie found out at her 20 week scan that her son Finley would be born with a life-threatening heart defect.
Three years on, Finley is thriving and Sophie wants to tell their story to help other heart families like hers…
Heart mum Sophie tells us about her son Finley’s CHD journey…
I found out my son had a heart defect when I was 20 weeks pregnant. I was then transferred to the LGI and had scans every five weeks.
These scans confirmed that Finley had Transposition of the Great Arteries. Finley had a seven and a half hour long operation when he was just nine days old.
This was three years ago now and my little boy is thriving! We are so grateful to the heart unit and in June 2018 I shaved my head for Children’s Heart Surgery Fund which raised £500!!
“This was three years ago now and my little boy is thriving!”
Finley after his open heart surgery
Finley now, age 3
My sons’ story is quite unique as after his open heart surgery he went on to have a further operation due to being ventilated at birth.
I just think it is so important to tell our story because there are families, including myself, that feel so upset with the procedures and worry about the outcomes. This then affects their mental health as well.
It is so important for this to get out there in order to support others going through this difficult time. So that they know they are not alone through this and can speak to people who have been in the same boat.
Sophie Kelton White
On #WarriorWednesday, we celebrate the amazing heart heroes we support in our region.
We tell their stories to raise vital awareness of congenital heart disease and recognise the care of the Leeds Congenital Heart Unit.
If you would like to make a regular or one-off donation to help fund CHSF’s life-saving work, you can do so here. Thank you.
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