I was born in July 1955 with a condition called Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF). My first operation at the hospital was when i was about 18 months old and was called a Blalock-Taussig shunt.
My family lived in London at the time but Dr Bonham Carter, my consultant, thought the London air was not helping my condition so we all went on holiday to Wales. While we were there, Dad went into a local pub for a drink, came out and told us he had bought the place! Problem solved.
Childhood
"Despite my condition, I had a very happy childhood. Then, when i was nine, my family was told that a pioneering surgical team at the hospital could perform an operation to correct my problem.
"On May 5th 1965 I had my second operation and six weeks later I was allowed home."
Research study
"Recently, I was very fortunate to have been invited back to the hospital as part of a get together. The day was very interesting and surprisingly quite emotional. I have treasured memories of my time at GOSH and despite being born with heart problems, i have no regrets."
"I am now playing a small part in Dr Bull's study and hope that i may be able to contribute. After all, I can never repay the hospital for what it has done for me."
