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For many years now  me and my partner have helped raise awareness and vital funds for Little Hearts Matter. I was introduced to Little Hearts Matter upon finding out on my second scan that LJ would be born with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (2006).  They helped me through the worst time a parent can face. and are still here offering support so many years on which I am forever grateful.

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LJ was born with Hypoplastic left heart syndrome and this is his story.>>

Before LJ was born we knew he was going to have a big challenge ahead but I wanted to give him the chance he deserved.

 After months and months of trips every 2 weeks to 2 different hospitals he finally arrived for a quick glance before he was whisked off for an emergency tracheotomy. Not 30 minutes old and he was determined to fight and I couldn't have been more proud. He was then whisked off to the Freeman Hospital where I knew he was in safe hands till I could see his beautiful eyes again. Upon arriving at the 2nd hospital an hour later I had the news from the specialists that LJ required his open heart surgery immediately. 
The next few hours seemed like a lifetime awaiting the news of my new born son and just wanted what every mother does....to just hold him in my arms again. But with every faith that my son was a fighter he did just that and showed his strength and survived the surgery and gave me a glimpse of his beautiful eyes once again. Through the first night he struggled and the next day he again went into open heart surgery after finding out he also had narrowing of his vessels bringing oxygenated blood to his lungs this gave him an even bigger fight ahead. My word how is my son fighting this? Again he kept strong for his mummy and kept on fighting. He even made me see a cheeky side as young as two days old when the geneticist came for a visit and he had a little wee on her. 
Unfortunately the laughter of his cheekiness was saddened by the worst news I have ever had to face in my entire life on the 3rd day, I was told my little fighter had no fight left. Holding him in my arms looking deep into his precious eyes, surrounded by loved ones LJ took his last breath and passed away in my arms.
"Is there anything I would have done differently knowing the outcome people ask?"
Not a chance, because I was privileged to have the most determined, special little boy I could have ever asked for and I count myself lucky that he was part of my life. He still lives on in our broken hearts and I know he will be no doubt causing mischief now up there at the age of 13.

This is why I am determined to help Little Hearts Matter, LJ has made a difference to my life in a way words can never begin to explain and now it's time I make a difference and do what ever it takes to help LHM in any way I can. X  

Little Hearts Matter offers support and information, and raises awareness of those affected when a child has only half a heart, due to conditions such as Complex Pulmonary Atresia, Tricuspid Atresia, Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS) or Double Inlet or Outlet Ventricle (Univentricular Heart).