Heart op hero Leo turns 16
A SCHOOLbOy who overcame major heart surgery celebrated his 16th birthday on Christmas Day.
Leo Simpson, from Chryston, Lanarkshire, was banned from running and told he may not see adulthood without the gruelling operation.
Last week, less than two years after his surgery, the teen completed a charity run – and yesterday he celebrated his milestone birthday with proud parents Helen, 42, and Stuart, 49, and brother Kai, 19.
Helen said: “He’s my hero and I’m so proud of everything he’s overcome.”
Leo was born with a heart murmur. At three months old he was diagnosed with aortic valve stenosis, when the valve narrows, and bicuspid aortic valve, a form of heart disease which causes the valves to fuse during development in the womb.
The family were told he would eventually need open-heart surgery and as he grew older Leo struggled to keep up with his friends as they played sports.
Helen said: “When he got to about 12, he had exercise restrictions put in place.”
He also had to give up playing basketball.
At 14, Leo consented to surgery. Helen said: “They told us if he didn’t have the surgery he may not be here to see his 21st birthday.”
Thankfully, the surgery was a success and Leo embarked on a rehabilitation programme.
Feeling stronger than ever, he recently decided he wanted to help other sick kids. His 5k run last week raised almost £800 for Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity and he also raised £200 for the cardiology unit that treated him by selling Christmas decorations.
Helen said: “He’s turned into a lovely young man who is always ready to help people out. The future is looking good.”
To support Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity, visit www.Glasgow ChildrensHospitalCharity. org/donate