A BABY who underwent a serious heart operation at ten days old is thriving more than a year on thanks to a children’s heart charity.
Hugo Owen from Cudworth was diagnosed with a congenital heart condition known as transportation of the great arteries at mum Natasha Owen’s 20-week scan.
He had open heart surgery at ten days old, and Natasha, 28, said he is now ‘a thriving 14-month-old who hasn’t let his condition define him’.
She said: “When we were told at my scan that he was going to have heart problems it was hard not to be overwhelmed by that daunting news.
“We decided to prepare for the worst but hope for the best. Looking at him now he has exceeded all expectations and it’s been a huge relief.
“Without the support, funds and lifesaving equipment which Children’s Heart Surgery Fund (CHSF) and the Leeds Congenital Heart Unit provide, babies like Hugo would have no chance of survival.
“We had the best treatment from regular prenatal scans, during our time spent at the Leeds Children’s Hospital and continuing now through regular check-ups. He is due for another check-up next week but the doctors are really pleased with how he is doing.
“For this we are eternally grateful for the life they gave our son, and hope you will help us continue to support them.”
Hugo and Natasha also met CHSF ambassador and well-known Barnsley former cricket umpire Dickie Bird on the children’s cardiac ward just days after his open heart surgery, when Dickie contributed £30,000 back in November 2017.
Dickie said: “I’ve seen first-hand the life-saving treatment funded by CHSF, and I’m very proud to be ambassador of this charity.
“Please get involved in Wear Red Day, and help patients like Hugo and their families through the most of difficult of times.”
Next Friday is CHSF’s Wear Red Day, which aims to raise money for the charity. CHSF are once again hoping to see a red wave across the region on Friday to help support babies and children living with congenital heart disease.
Natasha said: “I ask that on Friday, February 1, everyone would help raise vital funds for CHSF by wearing red and help them help families like us.”
Nearly one per cent of all UK babies are born with a congenital heart defect, and donations to CHSF support the vast majority of these cases in the region.
CHSF CEO Sharon Milner stressed the importance of the annual Wear Red Day fundraiser to keep the Leeds Congenital Heart Unit on top of the disease.
“We are proud to once again call on the trusted support of local schools, businesses and individuals to help fund the exceptional specialist care offered by our unit,” said Sharon.
“Wear Red Day is now in its sixth year and because of you, we have raised hundreds of thousands of pounds towards bridging the shortfall in NHS provision for medical equipment, facilities and research.
“We are incredibly thankful for your vital help in keeping Leeds a shining beacon in national congenital cardiac care.”
Natasha is raising money by holding a coffee morning at her home next Friday from noon until 6pm.
If you would like to attend, contact her via her Facebook page.
