🎉 Meet Esme, a Little Heart Warrior! 💖
When Emily Bowen and Mathew Mariani welcomed their tiny daughter Esme into the world, everything seemed perfect. But just ten days later, their lives took a dramatic turn as Esme fell seriously ill. After a call to 111, they were rushed to get Esme checked, thinking it might be an infection. Hospitals initially suspected Covid or bronchitis, but the tests revealed something much more alarming.
Esme was diagnosed with Atrioventricular Septal Defect (AVSD) – a congenital heart condition with holes in the walls between heart chambers. For Emily and Mathew, the news was heart-breaking. Their tiny fighter needed life-saving surgery amidst the stress and constraints of Covid restrictions. This meant spending long weeks in hospitals, with only one parent at a time allowed by Esme’s side.
The couple faced the unimaginable, learning to tube-feed and even perform CPR on their precious baby. But at just six months old, Esme underwent successful heart surgery at Bristol Children’s Hospital.
Esme has blossomed remarkably since then. She’s full of life, unstoppable, and no longer needs tube feeding. In a beautiful twist, Emily and Mathew have turned their journey into a mission to give back, raising over £15,000 for the British Heart Foundation! This year, Mathew is running the London Marathon, while Emily is gearing up for the Cardiff Half Marathon, all to spread awareness and support for children like Esme.
Esme’s story is now part of a heartwarming campaign celebrating 65 years of lifesaving research by the British Heart Foundation. Across the UK, 65 red benches are being unveiled, honouring lives like Esme’s.
Even with all they’ve faced, Esme is thriving, and her parents couldn’t be prouder. “Nothing holds Esme back – she’s one of the gang,” Emily shares. “Her strength amazes us every day.”
Join us in cheering on this beautiful family’s resilience and determination! 🌈✨ #HeartWarrior #EsmeStrong #BHF #InspiringJourneys
Want to support the cause? Consider donating to the marathon fundraiser! 🏃♂️💓