Our little boy Azaiyah (Zai) is 4 years old and was born with Coarctation of the Aorta, a serious congenital heart condition that affects blood flow from the heart. As a baby, his condition had a real impact on everyday life. He struggled when feeding, had high blood pressure requiring medication, and at times his lips would turn blue due to reduced circulation.

Since birth, Zai’s journey has involved regular hospital visits, scans, and ongoing monitoring. We’re incredibly grateful that he is now off all medication, having come off it just before his 3rd birthday, and currently has no activity restrictions. However, this condition doesn’t simply disappear. As Zai gets older, he has been advised that he won’t be able to weight lift and will need heart surgery in the future. He also continues to experience symptoms such as cold and pale feet, a reminder of the ongoing effects of congenital heart disease.

Throughout February, we’re taking on a 28 mile walking challenge as a family, including walks during Congenital Heart Disease Awareness Week from 7th to 14th February. One of these will include Pen y Fan, which Zai won’t be able to take part in, but we’ll be completing the walk to help raise awareness.

We’re raising money for the British Heart Foundation to support vital research, improve treatments, and raise awareness of heart conditions that can so easily go unseen. Every donation helps families like ours and brings hope for better outcomes.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read, donate, or share. Your support truly means everything ❤️