Leeds Rhinos forward Zane Tetevano paid a visit to the children’s heart ward at Leeds General Infirmary, just days after his own heart operation for congenital heart disease (CHD).
Tetevano suffered a stroke in training earlier this year, which was caused by a hole in the heart and has subsequently received treatment via a catheter procedure.
The 32-year old joined charity Children‘s Heart Surgery Fund (CHSF) to visit poorly babies and children with congenital heart disease to offer his support and goodwill to both the patients and their families.
Tetevano ran the Leeds 10k for CHSF last month, and raised over £2k of vital funds for the charity.
Zane Tetevano said: “It was the experience of a lifetime to visit the children’s cardiac ward and meet so many young heart heroes and their families.
Because of my own condition, and the fact I have a young family myself, it meant such a lot and I can’t wait to visit again in the future.”
Zane with staff on the children’s heart ward
Zane talks to patient Maisy (6) about her Katie Bear
Zane Tetevano met young heart hero Jenson John Howard, from Edenfield in the Rossendale Valley.
9-month-old Jenson was born with Tetralogy of Fallot, a complex heart defect that required stents placed in his pulmonary duct initially at two months. His current hospital visit has required open heart surgery to repair a large hole, a new pulmonary duct grafted on and re-widening of vital vessels.
Jenson and dad, John, with Jenson’s new Katie Bear
Zane Tetevano holds heart warrior Jenson
Jenson’s dad, John, said:
“Zane was brilliant. Really friendly and really took time with the kids. The children’s cardiac team and ward L51 at Leeds General Infirmary are a fantastic team and really made a difference.”
My little boy is now smiling and happy again thanks to these wonderful people. Jenson was overjoyed with his teddy and it’s going to take pride of place with his certificate.”
“Thank you very much for making his, and our, day.”
CHSF supports babies, children and adults with CHD from across our region. The charity provides vital medical equipment, family support, ward facilities, staffing and training for both the Leeds Congenital Heart Unit (LCHU), which is the specialist centre for CHD within the LGI.
CHD is the most common birth defect and cause of infant mortality affecting almost 1% of new-born babies annually. Over 17,000 CHD patients of all ages are cared for by the Yorkshire and Humber CHD network every year, which includes the Unit in Leeds and all the outreach clinics across the region.
CHSF’s Head of Marketing, Andy McNally, said:
“We are really grateful to Zane for spending valuable time with young CHD patients like Jenson and their families at the hospital. His positive connection with staff, patients and families alike was a joy to behold, and we look forward to welcoming him back.”
Help CHSF to keep supporting our heart unit
Make a donation to Children’s Heart Surgery Fund today and ensure we can continue supporting our region’s hearts for life. Thank you.
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,...