The days following our little Luca’s arrival were far from how we imagined. Within 48 hours of his birth, we were transferred from St Jame’s Hospital to Leeds General Infirmary where we were told our baby boy has a heart condition/congenital heart disease (Tetralogy of Fallot), which will require open heart surgery. Our world was turned upside down, looking at our gorgeous boy, we’d never felt so whole, yet broken at the same time. While we’ve had time to process this and have now started our journey as ‘heart parents’, it doesn’t make it any easier to write this and prepare for what’s to come. 

We would really like to help raise awareness of congenital heart disease and shine a light on the amazing work the Children’s Heart Surgery Fund do. During our stay on the cardiac ward at LGI, we were visited by a family support worker, given vouchers to use in the hospital cafe and nearest Tesco, and I also benefited from using equipment the charity had provided. They also fund accommodation for parents during their child’s stay in hospital after their surgery. 

As a wholly self-funded charity that receives no help from the government, they rely on donations and fundraising events to raise the vital, life-saving income that supports the heart unit, patients and families.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read our story and your support 💙💜💚❤️