A Glasgow baby born with a ‘broken heart’ was saved after doctors made an accidental discovery. Reuben Lester developed coarctation of the aorta, a condition in which his body’s largest artery narrowed after birth. Despite appearing happy and healthy, the narrowing in his artery went unnoticed during initial hospital checks.
Miracle Discovery at Queen Elizabeth Hospital
It wasn’t until mum Claudine Lester, 35, was in the Queen Elizabeth Hospital for an unrelated infection that doctors decided to examine her infant son, Reuben. As a precaution, they conducted a routine check-up, only to discover that he had a heart murmur. Further investigations revealed the seriousness of his condition, prompting immediate action.
Reuben was swiftly taken to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and underwent life-saving surgery, leaving his parents Claudine and Rob Lester, 35, in shock. Claudine, who resides in the West End, expressed gratitude for the quick intervention that saved her son’s life. She recounted the frightening experience, stating, “It all happened so fast. We feel very lucky that it was caught quickly, but the whole thing was scary.”
A Chance Discovery Leading to Life-Saving Intervention
Claudine had brought Reuben to the hospital with her due to breastfeeding, and it was during this visit that the doctors noticed something was amiss with the baby. Despite Reuben not showing any signs of illness, the timely intervention by medical professionals revealed the urgent need for surgery to correct his heart condition. Without the swift diagnosis and surgical intervention, Reuben’s life could have been at risk.
Expressing her gratitude towards the medical staff at The Queen Elizabeth Hospital and the Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow, Claudine emphasized the excellent care they received during this challenging time. The family was relieved that Reuben made a full recovery and will celebrate his second birthday at the end of October, marking a significant milestone in his journey to health.
Supporting World Heart Day Through Fundraising Efforts
To commemorate Reuben’s recovery and show support for World Heart Day on September 29, Claudine is participating in a 10k race to raise funds for the British Heart Foundation. Her fundraising efforts aim to contribute to ongoing research and support for families facing similar heart-related challenges.
Claudine’s fundraiser highlights the importance of early detection and intervention in congenital heart diseases like Reuben’s. She acknowledges the critical role played by medical professionals in identifying and treating such conditions before they become life-threatening. By sharing her story and fundraising for the British Heart Foundation, Claudine hopes to raise awareness about heart health and support families in similar situations.
Joining forces with her family, including husband Rob and children Harper and Reuben, Claudine is committed to making a difference in the lives of those affected by heart conditions. Through their collective effort, they aim to raise awareness and funds for vital research that can help save lives and improve outcomes for individuals with heart-related issues.
Making a Difference Through Generous Contributions
By donating towards Claudine’s run and supporting the British Heart Foundation, individuals can play a significant role in advancing lifesaving medical research and improving heart health outcomes. Every contribution helps fund scientific breakthroughs that have the potential to transform healthcare and save lives. Together, we can make a difference in the fight against heart diseases and provide hope for a healthier future.