Meet Mason, Age 4

From the very first days of his life, Mason faced challenges with weight gain. He required four different types of prescription baby milk, alongside medications, to help him grow and thrive.

At his 8-week health check, his GP detected a loud heart murmur. Mason was quickly referred to paediatric specialists at Kingsmill Hospital, where he underwent multiple echocardiograms and ECGs to understand what was happening. When he was around 9 or 10 weeks old, tests confirmed the murmur was caused by a Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD) — a small hole between the lower pumping chambers of his heart. Doctors explained that most small VSDs (around 85–90%) close naturally within the first 2 to 4 years of life, so they hoped Mason’s would heal on its own too.

For four years, medical teams monitored him closely, repeating countless scans and tests to track the defect. Sadly, the hole did not close as hoped. During this time, further heart issues also developed that would need treatment alongside the original condition. Specialists at Kingsmill Hospital determined surgery was now the best path forward, and Mason was referred to the cardiac team at Leicester Royal Infirmary for further care.

At just four years old, in June this year, our brave little Mason underwent two major heart operations within the space of just one week.

His first procedure repaired the ventricular septal defect (VSD), closing the small hole between the lower pumping chambers of his heart. Surgeons also removed an extra muscle bundle inside the right ventricle and took away a thin membrane beneath the aortic valve — all steps taken to protect his heart and support its health long into the future.

Shortly after, complications developed affecting the electrical system that controls his heartbeat. Masons heart went into Heart block, meaning the lower half of his heart had no function at all.

After his first operation, doctors were hopeful that Mason’s heart rhythm would return to normal naturally — but sadly, this did not happen. It was found that his heart was experiencing heart block. Medical teams gave him a 4‑to‑5‑day course of steroids, hoping this would help his heart function fully and restore a regular rhythm. Unfortunately, this treatment did not bring the improvement they hoped for, and his heart remained in heart block.

Just one week later, Mason required a second operation, where doctors fitted a permanent dual-chamber pacemaker — a small device designed to keep his heart beating at a safe, steady rhythm.

Five days after his second operation, medical teams carried out numerous X‑rays and blood tests, and constant ECG’s to monitor Mason’s progress and make sure he was recovering well. Sadly, the results showed he had developed an infection, and scans also revealed fluid had built up around the right side of his heart — placing extra strain on his heart as it tried to work.

He was prescribed a 7‑day course of intravenous antibiotics, alongside other medications, to tackle the infection and help reduce the fluid surrounding his heart. Thankfully, the treatment worked perfectly — his infection levels dropped significantly, and his blood cell counts improved dramatically!

Regardless of all the complications he has endured following his surgeries Mason continues to show incredible strength and courage.

To give something back and help other children and families facing similar journeys, Mason is fundraising for HeartLink Children’s Charity, whose support has meant so much to him and his family.

Every donation, no matter how big or small, will help make a difference for children with Congenital Heart Defects, CHD.

Thank you for supporting Mason and helping HeartLink continue their amazing work.

With special thanks to our supporters:

Argyle Events

Sweet Inflatables & Mascots

Argyle Creations

Your kindness and support is helping Mason raise funds for HeartLink Children’s Charity and make a difference to other children and families facing similar challenges. ❤️

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