13/08/2016 was the day our family became complete. At 4 months old Austin was diagnosed with mixed aortic valve disease. Throughout his first 6 years he thrived, he had a love for swimming, climbing and tennis, but required regular echo’s and cardiac investigations at Birmingham Children’s Hospital 💫. In June 2023 Austin has a routine cardiology appointment. Austin had one question he wanted to ask his cardiologist “would he be allowed to start training with the triathlon club his brother joined the previous February?” The answer was a very clear no. We received the news that we had been dreading, the Velocity through the aortic valve was very high and had sever regurgitation. Austin was to be listed for open heart surgery to have a Ross procedure including a donor aortic value. Austin had to stop all competitive sport including PE. This came a such a shock even though we knew this day would come, as the previous week he had been competing in sports day and coming away with podium places. The following week Austin had a couple of funny turns and his consultant decided he needed his surgery within 4 weeks. On the 24th July 2024 Austin received his 8 hour surgery, which was the worst day of our lives, a day felt like a year. The support we received from my old colleagues within PICU is something we will never forget. 10 days later with a couple of hiccups Austin was discharged home with close follow up. Austin managed to contract a horrible virus which hit him hard with a continuous cough/ chocking episodes, which as you can imagine was painful due to his surgery. The cardiac specialist nurse, medics and surgeons reviewed him regularly and in time he started to recover. Throughout the 10 days we were fortunate enough to get accommodation within Ronald McDonald’s house, free of charge. This accommodation allowed one of us to get a good night sleep while the other stayed by Austin’s side, giving us the energy to be able to support Austin and each other throughout. It also allowed Austin’s brother Henry to come and stay, so we could be a family unit, having Henry stay brightened Austin’s day with laughter and games. Not only was it a comfy bed, a good shower but also supplied us with a free breakfast.

Fast forward 4 months to his cardiology appointment we were told he has a nearly normal functioning heart and has no restrictions on his life. January the 1st he joined Telford triathlon club and has enjoyed every second. He has been swimming, running and cycling with such excitement.

On the 17/03/24 Austin plans to compete in his first Aquathon at Burntwood part of the West Midlands series and would love to get some sponsorship,to give back to Ronald McDonald house to allow the charity to continue its incredible support to families when they need it the most. If you could just spare £1 that would be amazing and will bring a lot of happiness to a very determined boy.

We have to give a special mention to Mr Tim Jones and Dr Anna Seal, without them we wouldn’t be tucking a healthy boy into bed each night. You will always be hero’s to us and we can’t thank you enough.

Sometimes, the best medical care for a child isn't close to home.

Ronald McDonald House Charities UK provides free 'home away from home' accommodation to families with children having treatment in specialist hospitals.

Our 12 Houses offer much more than just a place to stay; they provide family activities, peer support, respite, and many other services. This means that families can be by their child's bedside in a matter of moments, whilst maintaining a degree of normal life with reduced emotional and financial strain.