How little Evie’s heart condition inspired Wallasey mum to help others

Jan 21 2009 by Carrie Catterall, Bromborough and Bebington News

A MOTHER whose baby has two holes in her heart wants to raise awareness about congenital heart disease.

Claire Fitzsimmons, 30, of Wallasey, gave birth to her second child Evie at Arrowe Park Hospital in September 2007.

She took her home thinking she’d had a healthy baby but, as the weeks passed, Claire noticed Evie was not gaining weight and was breathing rapidly.

After two months of going back and forth to the hospital, doctors realised Evie had a serious heart condition and needed major surgery.

The single mum said: “When she was born, I could hear her breathing rapidly. I didn’t think this was right.

“She wasn’t gaining weight and she was being sick all the time as well.

“I was demented because I didn’t know what was wrong with her.

“We were going back and forth to the hospital and I was told she had bronchitis, then a heart murmur.”

Finding out her daughter had a serious heart condition was, said Claire, “the worst feeling in the world”.

She continued: “Evie had major surgery at Alder Hey Hospital in June and doctors are 95% sure she won’t need any more surgery, but they can’t be sure.

“She still has be fed through a tube but really she’s a little miracle.”

Since Evie’s diagnosis, Claire has become involved with the Children’s Heart Association.

She is holding a major charity night on January 31 at The Station, Hamilton Street, Birkenhead, to raise money for the charity.

Tickets cost £10 and the event, which includes a hair and fashion show, buffet and raffle, will start at 7.30pm.

Claire, a self-employed hairdresser, said: “Some of the children I’ve met through the charity may not survive, but by raising money we can give them the best quality of life.”

For tickets, call 647 4019 and for more information about congenital heart disease or to make a donation, visit www.heartchild.info