‘Being a first-time mum and having to hold my baby while they put him to sleep was just heartbreaking’

Sheffield parents are raising money for the doctors and nurses who helped save their son's life after he underwent open-heart surgery at just 10 weeks old.

Paige Salt is organising Reuben's Fun Day at Hillsborough Sports Arena on July 11 in aid of the Children's Heart Surgery Fund, inspired by her son Reuben's journey and the support her family received during one of the most difficult periods of their lives.

'I had to watch my baby go into open-heart surgery alone' – Sheffield mum's charity fun day to help other families | Contributed

placeholder image — 'I had to watch my baby go into open-heart surgery alone' – Sheffield mum's charity fun day to help other families | Contributed

Recalling the ordeal, Paige said: "My son had to have open-heart surgery at 10 weeks old.

“Being a first-time mum and having to hold my baby while they put him to sleep was just heartbreaking.

"Especially during Covid, it was such a difficult time, so we're now raising money for the doctors and nurses who helped Reuben and our family through the hardest time of our lives."

Reuben underwent life-saving surgery at Leeds General Infirmary during the Covid pandemic, with restrictions meaning Paige spent much of the hospital stay separated from her partner.

She said: "I'd never really been away from my partner in five years and this was the first time as I obviously had to go away without him through the most horrible of times."

Despite the challenges, Paige praised the NHS teams who cared for her son.

"Everyone, the surgeons, the nurses, consultants, everyone was amazing," she said.

Now healthy and thriving, Reuben continues to attend routine check-ups, including at Sheffield Children's Hospital, where his family say they have continued to receive excellent care.

The family's latest fundraiser aims to give something back while helping other children and parents facing similar experiences.

Reuben's Fun Day will take place from 12pm to 6pm on Saturday, July 11, at Hillsborough Sports Arena.

The event will feature family entertainment, food vendors, local businesses, charity stalls, crafts, face painting, balloon modelling and sweet treats.

Organisers are currently inviting stallholders to take part, with spaces available for local businesses, community groups and charities.

All proceeds will go towards the Children's Heart Surgery Fund, which supports children and families receiving specialist cardiac care across Yorkshire and beyond.