Dinnington mum in charity skydive

Cassie Symms’ son Zander was born with a hole in his heart and had life saving surgery at Leeds General Infirmary in June - just weeks before his first birthday.

And the excellent treatment he received has made Cassie, of Clarence Street, Dinnington, want to give something back.

So on Sunday 18th September she and her sister Vickie Poskitt are throwing themselves out of a plane in aid of the Children’s Heart Surgery Fund, based at the Leeds unit.

The vital charity enhances patient facilities and support, provides the latest medical equipment and funds world renowned research dedicated to babies, children and teenagers with heart defects.

“The charity is based at Leeds General Infirmary where Zander’s care and treatments are based,” said mum-of-two Cassie.

“During his operation he was in theatre for almost 13 hours and the team were amazing. I cant thank his surgeon Mr Watterson and his team enough.”

“Zander also went in for pacemaker surgery a just a week after his open heart surgery due to complete heart block.”

After a rocky few days following his second round of surgery, Zander was finally transferred to ward ten before being allowed home on 26th June.

“He is doing well at home and his cardio and pacemaker checks went well,” said Cassie.

“His medications have been lowered and he uses his pacemaker 64 per cent of time since hospital so it was definitely needed.”

“He will need more surgery in the future but his long term outlook is good.”

“But if it wasn’t for the work of this amazing charity then the hospital wouldn’t have as much up to date equipment for use after surgery on the wards.”

Cassie and her sister will be doing a tandem skydive at Hibaldstow in Brigg. North Lincolnshire next weekend.

The tandem dive will mean they have one minute of freefall harnessed to the front of an instructor, who then opens and lands the parachute.

To sponsor Cassie go to her just giving page at www.justgiving.com/cas-skydive-for-CHSF.

To find out more about the work of the Children’s Heart Surgery Fund visit www.chsf.org.uk.