Boy who’s in danger if he laughs too much
MEET Max Barley... the little boy born with a serious heart condition which can put him in severe danger if he simply laughs too much.
Max, eight, from High Lane, has hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS), which means he only has half a functioning heart.
He underwent the first of three open heart surgeries aged just five days and medics left his chest open for three weeks in case a further corrective operation was needed.
The High Lane Primary pupil still needs regular medical treatment and has a resting heart rate of more than 100 beats a minute as well as a low amount oxygen in his blood.
This means Max has less energy and can get dangerously overexerted by activities other children take for granted and risk respiratory collapse.
Without medical treatment this can be potentially life-threatening.
Grandpa Richard Barley, 66, said: “He has a very rapid heart rate and burns fat quickly so can get breathless and doesn’t have the same amount of energy as other children.
“He can’t keep up with his friends and sister but tries to and we are constantly telling him to stop.
“Sometimes just laughing too much can cause problems, and he has a wicked sense of humour. He uses up all his oxygen and his lips turn blue. It affects his heart, brain, everything. How do you stop someone laughing? It is not easy.”
Max had his other open-heart operations aged 18 months and five years. More surgery is planned, possibly later this year.
He lives with his mum and dad, Felicity, 31, and Alistair, 41, as well as brother James, 13, and sisters Molly, seven, and Willow, one.
Max will be guest of honour at a fundraising concert by the Monday Mondays – a mixed, five-part acappella choir featuring Richard and Max’s grandmother Jan.
The group will perform at Marple Conservative Club, on Church Lane, next Friday from 7.30pm with proceeds going to charity Little Hearts Matter. Tickets for the concert, which also features ConChords, are £8 – call Richard on 07975 988489. The Conservative club has been thanked for providing a free venue and making a donation.