On 25th April 2023, at our 20 week scan, we were given the devastating news that our baby had 3 congenital heart defects: Transposition of the Great Arteries, a Ventricular Septal Defect and Pulmonary Stenosis. His main defect was described as ‘incompatible with life’ and we were thrown into a World of uncertainty and anxiety.

Oliver was born in August 2023 by c-section at Liverpool Women’s Hospital and was soon transferred over to Alder Hey. He is now 2 and has undergone more in his 2 years than most do in their whole life. Weekly nurse visits, extra vaccinations, emergency trips to A&E, countless hospital admissions, 2 cardiac catheter procedures, open heart surgery… And our journey is far from over. Due to the complexity of his heart, Oliver will require further open heart surgeries in the future, and we just pray that he continues to thrive through it all.

We can only be grateful that the sonographer at our 20 week scan had been trained in spotting heart defects. If she hadn’t then our story might have been a different one.

That is why the work that Tiny Tickers does is so important.

1 in every 100 babies in the UK is born with a congenital heart defect. This October, I’m taking on the 1 in 100 Challenge by walking/running 100 miles to raise vital funds for early detection, diagnosis, and support for these extraordinary babies and their amazing families. Please join me in making a difference.

Just £10 can provide essential support to a family who has just received a CHD diagnosis for their newborn.

£12 sends a pack of data sonography cards to help improve scanning and early detection.

£100 can help train a sonographer to better spot heart defects during the crucial 20-week scan.

Every penny raised brings us closer to ensuring every baby with a serious heart condition gets the best possible start in life.

Thank you for your support in giving tiny hearts a fighting chance. x