Arthur didn’t have the easiest start to life. He was born at 8:56am on the 22/06/19 in Leeds General Infirmary and weighed 3.80kg (8.6lb).

We found out at the 20 week scan that he had a heart condition and were referred to the Cardiac team at Leeds. Congenital heart disease is a general term for a range of birth defects that affect the normal way the heart works. Congenital Heart Disease is one of the most common types of birth defect, affecting up to 8 in every 1,000 babies born in the UK.

Arthur's conditions were Double Outlet Right Ventricle (DORV - the Aorta and Pulmonary Artery came out of the right chamber of his heart), Transposition of the Great Arteries (TGA - the Aorta and Pulmonary Artery were also the wrong way round), a VSD (hole in the heart), and a Hypoplastic Aortic Arch... So as you can see he had fair few issues which would’ve meant he wouldn’t have survived for very long (hours) without intervention - he wouldn't have made it through his first night. 

Above it was mentioned that 8 in every 1,000 babies is born with Congenital Heart Disease but the statistical likelihood of Arthur's particular combination was much lower. Before he was born we were not sure if surgery would be able to fully correct his issues, which could have led to a reduced quality of life (I'll leave it at that). But Arthur was lucky and his heart was broken is just the right way that meant it could be fully repaired and function like a normal heart. 10 hours of surgery plus another 2 hours of emergency postoperative surgery in the ICU immediately after (longest day of our lives!) Arthur was fully fixed.

After 3.5 long weeks we were all finally back home in York, after temporarily relocating to Leeds General Infirmary. Arthur spent time in the Neonatal, PICU, and Cardiac Ward (Ward 51) and finally a few days at York Hospital.

The Cardiac team in Leeds were absolutely fantastic. The surgeon reported the operation to be a technical success i.e. they fixed all of the issues with his heart. This means he has a good chance of going on to live a full life.

Since being at home Arthur been great and we have just had the normal newborn baby challenges as first time parents. He had his one year check up with the Leeds Cardiology team at York Hospital last week (managed very well given the COVID challenges) and we were pleased to hear his heart is doing great... in fact it is doing so well that they do not need to see him again for another two years.

We want to celebrate is first birthday not with presents (don't worry he will get some!) but rather to recognise and support the fanatic work done by the Leeds Congenital Heat Unit who saved Arthur's life. Without them we would not have Arthur with us today to celebrate his birthday. We are eternally grateful - thank you.

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