01/10/2026
“I felt like a rabbit caught in headlights. I had so many questions, but nobody could tell me whether Leo would live.”
When Leo's heart condition was discovered during his mum Emma's 20-week pregnancy scan, nobody could tell them what the future would hold. Doctors later confirmed that Leo had hypoplastic left heart syndrome, a rare congenital heart condition where the left side of the heart doesn't develop properly. After he was born, they discovered an additional complication, a severely leaky tricuspid valve.
At just one week old, Leo underwent his first open-heart surgery. What followed were months in hospital, failed attempts to come off a ventilator, difficulties gaining weight, tube feeding, and years of treatment. But throughout it all, Leo kept proving people wrong, with Emma saying, “Even as a baby, his determination was clear."
In August 2025, Leo underwent his third open-heart surgery. Before the operation, he often felt breathless, struggled to keep up with other children and had oxygen levels of around 78 to 80 per cent. Today, the difference is extraordinary.
"Leo now feels like he is flying. He is back at school, full of energy and convinced he is going to win sports day. His physical ability may still be behind other children because he spent so long unable to join in, but he feels amazing in himself."
Now aged seven, Leo has been recognised as one of our Young Heart Heroes for his courage, resilience and determination. Emma documents family life online as a content creator and is also one of our Retail Ambassadors, but sharing their story is about something bigger to her. "I want to offer hope to families who may be where we once were. Even when you have been told there is very little hope, Leo shows that a child can still have a good life. If sharing his story makes a difference to one family, it is worth it."
"I feel it is my purpose to raise awareness and support research that could have a positive impact on Leo and the life he gets to lead. We are so thankful for how well he is doing, and his resilience continues to amaze us."
