This is Lennie.

Since Lennie was born with a heart condition called CCTGA (Congenitally Corrected Transposition of the Great Arteries) he has been in and out of hospitals enduring lengthy stays. He has had 2 open heart surgeries to date, one at 4 months old and another to correct his heart in May 2019 ( Double Switch). Unfortunately the left side of his heart hasn’t coped that well since the switch and currently Lennie’s only option is a heart transplant.  

Lennie’s family are currently in Birmingham Children’s Hospital since December 2019 awaiting news from Great Ormond Street and Freeman’s in Newcastle as to what the future holds for them.

Laura and her husband Kelvin have three other children, Nathan, Hayley and Kincaid and whilst Laura stays at the hospital with Lennie as he cannot leave the hospital due to being dependent on IV medication that is keeping his heart beating. Kelvin and the other children have to travel 40 mins by train to visit when they can. 

The recent COVID-19 situation has meant that Laura and Kelvin have had to take their other children out of school. Between work, hospital and now having the children at home this is an extremely hard situation with mounting costs.

During the first lockdown I asked everyone to please donate some money, no matter how big or small to this incredibly courageous family and that all money raised would go to the family.

I was really overwhelmed by the outpouring of generosity and I am so pleased to say that we were able to raise £1042 for this family. Thank you so much to everyone for the donations, kind words and wonderful messages. Kindness goes such a long way!

An update on Lennie is that he is still in the hospital with his mum. which makes his time in hospital 1 year and 2 moths. His parents are still sharing their time between the hospital and home and their other children. Lennie remains on his medication and a feeding tube awaiting his new heart.

This family is a true inspiration and we wish them strength and courage.