From what we thought would be a routine 20 week scan turned into something very different. It was during the scan that everything went quiet, we knew something was wrong. The doctor took us into a side room to break the news to us that our unborn child had a heart condition and within a few days of life, she would need an operation. We both went numb.

When Lily-Rose was born at University College Hospital in London all we wished for was to be able to hold her and for her to cry. Both happened.

I was able to have my first cuddle for only a few minutes before the medical team had their arms ready to take her from me to stabilise her and start the life saving medicine that she required.

At 4 days old Lily-Rose was transferred to Great Ormond Street Hospital where she was to under go open heart surgery that would last 6 hours. Thankfully it was a success.

We spent a long 13 days in London away from our other two children, family and friends, and it wasn’t until day 10 that we got to have our first proper cuddle of our little miracle.

 7 months later we have a little girl that’s thriving and progressing well. Everyday we are thankful for this.

The experience we had was a challenging one and made us realise that nothing can ever be taken for granted. It also brings home that their are many children that are far worse off and still remain in the hospital until this day. As a family we will never be able to thank Great Ormond Street Hospital enough, so we would like to attempt to give something back. We want to raise as much money as possible by doing a sponsored 6 mile walk.

So please dig deep as any donation will be greatly appreciated.