Nelly was born on 15th February 2024 with no issues antenatally.

It was soon noted after she was born she had a number of medical complications, with her largest being a congenital heart defect called Tetralogy of Fallots, affecting 4 areas of the heart.

Nelly underwent complete open heart surgery at 7 months old at Leeds General Infirmary (LGI), and although the surgery went really well, she will never have a ‘normal’ heart and still requires key hole surgery as she grows.

During Nelly’s recovery, she spent a week in LGI, including time in PICU (Paediatric Intensive Care Unit), HDU (High-Dependancy Unit), and a short stay on Ward 51 before she was well enough to come home.

Throughout this time, Nelly was provided with daily essentials such as nappies, washing facilities and formula, and as soon as she was alert enough, was provided with suitable toys to keep her distracted and an iPad to keep her entertained. She was also given a Katie bear, certificate and medal (as shown pictured below), not to mention all of the medical support and machines monitoring her sats, as well as 24 hour nursing care.

As parents, we were provided family accommodation in the hospital grounds, free parking during her stay, food vouchers were made available for local supermarkets, activities to keep our minds busy and continuous ongoing emotional support.

As a huge thank you to all involved, and those who have supported us so far throughout Nelly’s cardiac journey, we want to raise funds for the Children’s Heart Surgery Fund (CHSF), the charity that provide these vital resources for Leeds Congenital Heart Unit, for not only the patients, but also for the wider family.

All donated money will be paid directly to CHSF to help them continue providing resources to support other children like Nelly and families like ours.

This year they have set the challenge to ‘Have A Grand 2025’, for families to try to raise £1000, and we’d love to join in and support them by raising as much as we can.

All donations are really appreciated.

Thank you,

Philippa, Harry, Sonny and Nelly x