Sutton mum launches fundraiser after baby daughter’s life-saving surgery
A Sutton mum whose baby underwent life saving heart surgery at just six weeks old is raising money to give something back to the charity that supported them.
Proud mum Stephanie Cochrane gave birth to twins Ewan and Eden in August but little did she know her daughter was suffering from a life-threatening heart condition known as aortic coarctation, resulting in the aorta being severely narrowed meaning blood is unable to pump properly around the body. Without treatment the condition is fatal.
The condition came to light after a routine family walk on October 2 turned into a nightmare when Eden’s skin turned white, she became hypothermic and her body became limp.
Eden was taken to the ER in Queen's Medical Centre (QMC) where she underwent a series of scans and tests and Stephanie and husband Paul were told just how serious the situation was.
Stephanie who is Practice Owner and Veterinary Surgeon at Vets for Pets in Sutton-in-Ashfield said: “The doctors words to us were I know what the problem is, it’s fixable but if we don't do something now she won't make it through the next few weeks.
"It was terrifying and so upsetting and we were just so focused on getting her the help she needed.”
Eden was rushed by ambulance from the QMC to the Leicester Royal Infirmary in order to receive life saving heart surgery.
Little Eden was in surgery for around three and a half hours whilst Stephanie, husband Paul and baby Ewan faced an anxious wait.
During the family’s hospital stay they were supported by charity Heart Link who provided temporary accommodation in a nearby hotel to enable them to be close to Eden 24/7.
Stephanie, aged 38, said: “This resource was invaluable to us and we're eternally grateful to the charity. We wanted to give something back by raising money and raising awareness about the amazing work Heart Link do.”
As well as providing accommodation the charity also provide equipment in the designated parent room in the cardiac paediatric intensive care unit (CPICU) and have representatives on hand two evenings per week to provide direct support to families that need them.
Baby Eden is now at home and recovering well and the family are keen to give something back to Heart Link.
Stephanie has set up a fundraising page and is hoping to raise £1,000 for Heart Link.
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