Heart op for brave Loughborough tot

Apr 5 2009 Sunday Mercury

“And all the time Oliver would have been going further downhill.”

Oliver’s operation was a success and Janice said the change in his character has been overwhelming.

She said: “It has made a huge difference to our lives. Before the operation, he was gaunt, pale and his eyes were sunken. He would get tired and out of breath really quickly.

“Oliver is now moving about so much more and seems to follow me everywhere.

“Before, he could only crawl a few feet, but now he is suddenly right behind you.

“He is also very vocal. Before, he would rarely say anything, but now he is making all kinds of noises.

“He has really come into his own and is making up for lost time. He is now a normal little boy who can enjoy life to the full.

“We can’t thank Birmingham Children’s Hospital enough for saving our son’s life and allowing us to enjoy time together as a family.

“Oliver will need another operation when he is older to replace the pulmonary valve in his heart but we will cross that bridge when we come to it.”

William Brawn, consultant cardiac surgeon, who carried out the life-saving operation, said: “We are delighted that Oliver is recovering so well after his operation.

“This procedure is a complex one and a world’s first for Birmingham Children’s Hospital.

“This pioneering operation has led to a new lease of life for Oliver and his family.”