Rare heart condition hits family's children

A mother with three children who all have the same rare heart condition is raising money for a charity appeal in aid of Birmingham Children's Hospital.

Natalie Foster was terrified when she learned her daughter Tara, now aged seven, was born with pulmonary stenosis.

She went on to have two more children who were both born with the same rare condition which leaves them breathless, susceptible to illness and means they have to be closely monitored by heart specialists.

Mrs Foster, of Windmill Crescent, Smethwick, and the children's father Michael have to live with knowledge that their children may need heart surgery in the future.

Tara, Lance, aged three, and Roman, aged one, were all diagnosed with the condition. It means their heart valves, that supply blood to the lungs, are very narrow and their heart has to work harder.

Mrs Foster, who has two other older children said: "We learnt Tara had the condition not long after birth.

"It was terrifying. It was diagnosed when the doctors discovered she had a heart murmur. It was very scary because we just didn't know what to expect and how she would cope, particularly as my first two children were absolutely fine.

"When Lance was born with it, it wasn't quite so bad because we knew a bit more what to expect.

"We were told it was unusual. So everybody was a bit shocked when Roman had it too."

Tara and Roman are currently under the continuing care of Birmingham Children's Hospital whereas Lance has been discharged because his condition is not as severe.

Mrs Foster, who works as a care assistant for people with dementia, said she has to look out for symptoms which can occur when the children are making their hearts work hard. Tara, who attends St Philip's Catholic Primary School and enjoys both playing with friends and her PE lessons has to slow down if she starts to get out of breath or the inside of her mouth turns blue.

Roman is now starting to use his walker and she is becoming increasingly aware of the symptoms to look out for.

Mrs Foster says she is nervous about looking forward to the future as if their hearts are put under to much strain they will have to undergo surgery to widen their arteries.

She said: "The children are closely monitored by the cardiac team at the hospital. Roman had a check up last week and the doctors said his valve looks like it is widening so that is positive.

"But the thought of them having to go through heart surgery; I just don't like to think about it."

The family are now determined to do all they can to raise money for the cardiac team at Birmingham Children's Hospital.

The Children's Heart Appeal is trying to raise £2 million for the final stage of a £12m project to build a state-of-the-art operating theatre and expand the Intensive Care Unit.

Mr Foster took part in a skydive last year which raised £400 and they have also organised three charity nights. Altogether they have raised £1,854.

She added: "Without the continuing care of the cardiac team at Birmingham's Children's Hospital, my children would be leading very different lives."