As you already know we found out about Brodie's heart defects Christmas Eve 2018 at his 20 week scan. This is not always the case and is more common not to be detected. At time of the referal we were offered to terminate the pregnancy. He was born on 8th May 2019. 9 days after he was born he went into heart failure, having his first open heart surgery just short of 3 weeks old.

4th August 2020, at 15 months old he had a double switch procedure which carries huge risks. Death the biggest. He was discharged after 11days. Both surgeries were at GOSH, carried out by the incredible Martin Kostolny.

We understand first hand this whole situation that families can be left in, fully appreciating just how important this work is.

To raise awareness of this work and to offer support I am running the Gateshead Marathon on 5th May 2024, I have also recently added a trail run after, taking part in the Hindhead Big Heat 16 on 21st July. Finally I will run an Abbott World Major, running Chicago Marathon on 13th October 2024 - there is a theme to this one!

A baby is born with a serious heart condition every two hours in the UK and despite congenital heart disease being one of the biggest killers of infants, only around half of congenital heart defects are picked up during routine prenatal scanning.

With your help we can provide a safety net for the 1,000 babies each year that leave hospital with their heart defect undetected, increasing detection rates, improving a baby’s chances of survival and long-term quality of life.

Please show your support to us and follow the journey for the next 9 months.