Leeds parents' joy as little Minnie avoids high-risk heart op this year

The parents of little Minnie McHale are rejoicing after doctors have decided she is well enough to avoid further high-risk surgery this year.
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As previously reported in the Yorkshire Evening Post, nine-month-old Minnie was facing her second round of open heart surgery at Leeds General Infirmary's congenital heart unit later this year after tests showed a valve was leaking.

The tot was born with a life-threatening condition called coarctation of the aorta - a narrowing of one of the arteries which sends blood around her body - and had her first open heart surgery when she was just 13 days old. But after an MRI scan in the last few weeks, doctors have now told her parents Tara Farrar, 32, and Alex McHale, 33, that she doesn't need any more surgery this year.

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Tara said it was "great news" and said: "The consultant said she was discussed at great length and all in agreement that there is no need to go back in right valve. She still has a leaky valve and two small holes but these aren't causing any damage or side effects elsewhere in her heart which is what they would expect.

Minnie McHale, nine months, with parents Alex McHale, 33, and Tara Farrar, 32. Picture: Bruce RollinsonMinnie McHale, nine months, with parents Alex McHale, 33, and Tara Farrar, 32. Picture: Bruce Rollinson
Minnie McHale, nine months, with parents Alex McHale, 33, and Tara Farrar, 32. Picture: Bruce Rollinson

"She will have six-monthly check-ups to keep an eye out for any changes and an operation in the future is likely but for now we don't need to worry."

Since little Minnie's battle began, the family have been fundraising for the Children's Heart Surgery Fund, which supports the unit at LGI.

And even in the current coronavirus lockdown, their quest to keep raising cash for the charity has continued.

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Alex is holding regular fundraising quizzes on the Facebook page for his Pontefract cafe, Maud's, and also held a Michael Buble tribute night online a few weeks ago, netting just under £1,000 for the cause.

Minnie McHale, nine months. Picture: Bruce RollinsonMinnie McHale, nine months. Picture: Bruce Rollinson
Minnie McHale, nine months. Picture: Bruce Rollinson

Tara has signed up to do a skydive later this year for the fund and current donations on her just giving page total £750 so far.

Tara said: "We will still continue to support CHSF as they will be a part of Minnie's and our lives forever now."

*YEP's Have a Heart campaign

Minnie McHale, pictured during her treatment as a baby at the congenital heart unit at Leeds General Infirmary.Minnie McHale, pictured during her treatment as a baby at the congenital heart unit at Leeds General Infirmary.
Minnie McHale, pictured during her treatment as a baby at the congenital heart unit at Leeds General Infirmary.
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The Yorkshire Evening Post launched a Have a Heart campaign earlier this year, to help the Children's Heart Surgery Fund (CHSF) reach its £1m target for donations in 2020.

Since the coronavirus pandemic hit, CHSF has been forced to issue an urgent plea for donations after losing a "significant portion" of its yearly income - thought to be around £300,000 over the next few months.

A message from the Editor:

The Yorkshire Evening Post launched a Have a Heart campaign earlier this year to help the Children's Heart Surgery Fund raise as much money as possible this year.The Yorkshire Evening Post launched a Have a Heart campaign earlier this year to help the Children's Heart Surgery Fund raise as much money as possible this year.
The Yorkshire Evening Post launched a Have a Heart campaign earlier this year to help the Children's Heart Surgery Fund raise as much money as possible this year.

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Thank you

Laura Collins

Editor