Worcester parents share story of daughter born with half a heart

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 28 Oct, 18:15 · Archive

Heather Furlong and David Hill from Worcester lost their daughter Sophia at seven weeks old after she was born with only half a heart.

Heather Furlong and David Hill from Worcester are supporting Acorns Children's Hospice's Autumn Appeal after the charity helped them create precious memories with their daughter, Sophia, who died at seven weeks old.

The couple were expecting twins when a routine scan revealed that one of their daughters, Sophia, had only developed half a heart. Ms Furlong said: 'If Sophia was fighting, we would fight.' Sophia was born by caesarean section at 36 weeks, weighing just four pounds and four ounces, despite concerns she might not survive birth.

Ms Furlong described her anxiety about handling her daughter, saying: 'I thought if I pick her up, am I going to pull the tubes out? That was my worst fear, and I regret not asking to pick her up more because I didn't want to break her.' At six weeks old, Sophia's condition worsened and she died in her father's arms at seven weeks old.

Acorns Children's Hospice provided the family with six additional days with Sophia in a special, temperature-controlled room. During that time, Ms Furlong was able to bathe her daughter for the first time, play music, and spend time with her outside in the garden.

How it is being reported

• City parents on facing probable heartbreaking goodbye before their baby was even bornHeather Furlong and David Hill from Worcester are supporting Acorns Children’s Hospice’s Autumn Appeal.Worcester News · 28 Oct, 17:36
• City parents on facing probable heartbreaking goodbye before their baby was even bornHeather Furlong and David Hill from Worcester are supporting Acorns Children’s Hospice’s Autumn Appeal.Malvern Gazette · 28 Oct, 17:25

In this story: Heather Furlong · David Hill · Sophia · Acorns Children's Hospice · Worcester

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