(Image: TINY TICKERS)
An incredible Darlington baby underwent eight hours of open-heart surgery at just one week old after doctors diagnosed him with a life-threatening heart condition.
Rory Cooper was born with transposition of the great arteries (TGA), which means the heart’s two main arteries are connected the wrong way round.
His mum Leah Cooper, 20, is now taking on a swimming challenge to raise money for other families facing congenital heart defects after watching her son fight for his life.
Rory's condition was discovered during Leah's 20-week anomaly scan.
Rory after his surgery (Image: TINY TICKERS)
At just one week old, he underwent an eight-hour open-heart operation to repair his heart.
The surgery was successful, but Rory was then diagnosed with supraventricular tachycardia (SVT), an abnormal heart rhythm requiring specialist care.
He spent more than a week in the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU), including time on life support, before moving to a less intensive ward.
After 33 days in hospital, Rory was finally able to go home with his family.
Now eight months old, Rory is continuing to thrive and attends regular cardiology appointments to make sure his heart is functioning correctly.
He has also worn a 24-hour electrocardiogram (ECG) device to monitor and manage his SVT.
Rory showing off his scar (Image: TINY TICKERS)
Leah said: "Words cannot describe how proud I am of Rory. He truly is a little warrior who I cannot imagine my life without!"
She is swimming 100 lengths every week throughout October for Tiny Tickers’ 100 Challenge.
She has so far raised £1,775 through her JustGiving fundraiser.
Leah said the charity was close to her heart because her family knows the impact of serious congenital heart conditions.
Rory and his mum Leah at the pool (Image: TINY TICKERS)
She said: "Tiny Tickers is a charity that hits close to home for me. One in every 100 babies in the UK are born with a serious heart condition and my son was part of that one in every 100."
The annual challenge supports Tiny Tickers’ work detecting heart defects early and helping families affected by congenital heart disease.
Leah said she wanted to help babies with heart defects and families going through similar experiences.
She said: "I am raising money to help support other babies that are affected by a heart defect. Not only that, but to also support families and mothers in the UK that are in the same position as me."
Rory's condition was discovered during Leah's 20-week anomaly scan. (Image: TINY TICKERS)
Money raised gives babies the best chance of survival and a better quality of life, while helping detect defects earlier and provide the right treatment.
Tiny Tickers says one in every 100 babies in the UK is born with a serious heart condition.
Some babies born with congenital heart defects show no signs, making early detection during pregnancy crucial.
Leah said: "Words cannot describe how proud I am of Rory. He truly is a little warrior. Watching everything he has overcome has inspired me to raise money so that other families facing congenital heart disease (CHD) can receive the support they need."
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She added: "Every donation will help support babies like Rory and give other families hope during what can be an incredibly frightening time."
Rory’s latest update says he continues to show “strength and determination” and is developing a “cheeky personality”.
Leah said: "He makes me extremely proud every day."