Critically ill girl has lifesaving operation to fit 'Berlin heart' at Great Ormond Street Hospital

Penelope Greathead

The parents of a seriously ill baby from Whitby say "Christmas has come early" after their little girl received the life-saving operation she needed.

Fourteen-month-old Penelope Greathead was living on borrowed time at Leeds Children’s Hospital after a cardiac arrest three weeks ago.

She was hooked up to a machine which would only temporarily keep her heart going, and needed an operation to fit a ‘Berlin Heart’ which could sustain her in the longer term while she waits for a heart donor.

But her mum and dad, Holly and Jordan were delivered the devastating news that there were no beds available in the two hospitals which could provide the specialist care she needed.

NHS England says beds for children with similar heart conditions are in high demand because donors are so hard to find.

Penelope's parents say "Christmas has come early" after the successful operation.

Speaking to Calendar earlier this month Holly said: "This is a funding issue and it sounds like it's such a simple thing to save our little girl's life. This is why we want to raise awareness because there are others in this position as well.'"

Determined to get their daughter the surgery she needed, the couple launched a fundraising campaign to pay for treatment abroad, and raised £120,000 over the space of a weekend.

But just last week a bed unexpectedly became available at Great Ormond Street Hospital, and Penelope was taken from Leeds Children’s Hospital to London by ambulance. On Friday 20th December she underwent the life-saving operation.

"Everything went well" Jordan said. “It’s still early days in her recovery and this journey but it’s great she is finally off (life support).”

Penelope’s parents will now donate the money they raised to heart charities, and plan to start their own.

Jordan said: "Children with Berlin Hearts fitted have to remain in hospital until they receive a donor heart. She could be in Great Ormond Street for up to two years waiting for this. Raising awareness about the importance and impact of organ donation is key to her future."


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