Thanks for visiting our page.  On the 18th June 2023 we will be cycling from London to Brighton to raise awareness and funds for the British Heart Foundation. In 2018 Gary and I received the devastating news at our 20 week scan that our baby had significant heart defects including pulmonary atresia with ventricular septal defects, an overriding aortic arch and aortic stenosis. When our beautiful Felix arrived in May 2019 he was immediately in the care of the incredible cardiac team at Bristol Royal Children’s Hospital but at three days old we were told to prepare for there ‘not to be anything that could be done’. The following week was one of the hardest times we have ever had to face until we got the news that surgery was possible. However, our overwhelming relief was short lived with the reality of open heart surgery and the complications and risks involved. At ten days old we handed our perfect Felix over to his anaesthetist and kissed him goodbye for now, breaking our hearts to repair his. His surgery was success and despite some initial complications we were eventually able to take Felix home. 

Over the next nine months Felix steadily outgrew his shunt until at 10 months old he had surgery number two to patch his VSD and replace the shunt with a calf jugular valve. This has given us over three amazing years with a happy and health boy- beyond our expectations. We are now however, facing the next surgery as Felix’s replacement valve has started to show signs of wear. The vibrations on his chest are a constant reminder of his next hurdle all at such a young age and how much we owe to the British Heart Foundation. Without them, we wouldn’t be here and Felix would not have survived his first few days. This was all put into stark perspective when his fantastic consultant pointed out to us that when he started his career, Felix’s surgery just was not possible. The research and trials that are undertaken by BHF are saving countless lives and who knows what will be possible in the coming years.  Maybe children like Felix won’t have to go through so many invasive and risky surgeries, maybe children with the most complicated heart conditions will have a better quality of life and maybe so many parents won’t have to go through the most gut wrenching heart ache. 

We’d be so grateful for your support on our bike ride!  Every pound helps so please give what you can to help us hit our target! Thanks!