In this blog, Zephyr’s parents Phil and Poppy share their family’s journey from an AVSD diagnosis at the 20‑week scan through premature birth, hospital stays and surgery, to getting Zephyr ready to head home.
He also reflects on the practical support Children’s Heart Surgery Fund provided along the way, from time on the ward to help for the whole family.
“We found out about Zephyr’s Atrioventricular septal defect (AVSD) at our 20 week scan.
“We didn’t truly know how to process for the diagnosis, but we knew from day one that we weren’t going to let it stop us raising the most awesome little man possible.
“Zephyr was born 7 weeks early and spent 5 weeks in neonatal care. We had him at home with us for around a month and a half before we had to take him to hospital due to some respiratory issues.
“Fast forward 5 months, two separate long hospital stays, one pulmonary artery band surgery and taking things slow and steady with recovery – we are finally ready to get Zephyr home to his eagerly awaiting big sister, Aurora.
“Zephyr still needs his full AVSD fix but we could not have gotten through our journey without Children’s Heart Surgery Fund!
“CHSF have helped in more ways than they will ever know – from travel grants, Tesco vouchers, Cardiac Cafés, Wellbeing trollies on the ward, funded family activities and Zephyr’s Katie Bear – to just general weekly check-ins and catch ups from Sarah and the Family Support team.
“A special thank you to Sarah for always making sure we had everything we needed, nothing was ever too big or too small to ask.”
Your donation helps us continue providing practical, family‑focused support to babies like Zephyr and their loved ones throughout treatment and recovery.
Please help us continue to support more families who need us.
Running for Ruben – Laurie’s 5th Great North Run
Heart hero Ruben was born in 2019 with coarctation of the aorta. He had open heart surgery at just 3 days old, but mum Laurie Higgins says he is now a ‘happy and healthy’ 6 year old thanks to the Leeds Congenital Heart Unit team. Laurie tells us why she has chosen to...
Oral Health Month: The importance of dental health when your child has CHD
The oral health of children with congenital heart disease is particularly important as they are at an increased risk of developing bacterial infections such as infective endocarditis. To celebrate #OralHealthMonth, here’s some important information from experts at the...
Pat & Sue’s Skydive for CHSF
Pat & Sue work with heart dad Dan Tansey at the Co-op. After hearing Dan’s story and seeing his passion for raising funds for CHSF in 2025, they felt inspired to get involved too! Wanting to show their support, they decided to take to the skies and brave a...