A DETERMINED teenager from Culcheth has climbed Snowdon just six weeks after undergoing open heart surgery to thank the NHS heroes who looked after him.
When 15-year-old Harvey Ackerley was admitted to hospital last year with a burst appendix, his family never dreamed doctors would find two holes in his heart.
Now, after months of shielding during lockdown and going through surgery in the midst of a pandemic, Harvey finally ‘has his spark back’ following the seven-and-a-half hour operation, says mum Gemma.
Harvey’s charity climb up Snowdon, as well as efforts from family and friends during and post-lockdown, have raised more than £7,000 for Alder Hey Children’s Hospital.
“He’s such an incredible young man,” Gemma said.
“He so mature and has been taking everything in his stride - everyone who meets him falls in love with him.
“We tell him, ‘you are our Superman’.”
Gemma recalled the moment doctors first discovered problems with her son’s heart.
Harvey was in Warrington Hospital vomiting and passing out due to a burst appendix when something unusual came back on his ECG.
After recovering from his appendix surgery, he was transported from Warrington Hospital to Alder Hey where he went through more tests.
The family was then told Harvey had two holes in his heart which would require surgery.
“Six weeks ago, on August 4, they took him down to theatre and it was all really successful, Gemma said.
“It was so difficult during the coronavirus pandemic because only I was allowed to go in - it was such a strange time to have surgery because you couldn’t have your whole family there to support you.
“There was no chance we would ever have known something was wrong with his heart if it hadn’t have been for his appendix – we know that we are very lucky.”
Harvey’s sisters have been there to help support their big brother.
During lockdown, 12-year-old Sienna ran 5K every day, raising thousands of pounds for Alder Hey.
Sienna’s twin, Gabriella, has designed special t-shirts which will be released once they reach their £10,000 goal.
Speaking about his Snowdon challenge, Harvey said he never dreamed he would be climbing a mountain so soon after surgery.
He added: “It was hard but it was a good feeling.
“We got up in two hours and seven minutes and we did the full thing in three hours and 48 minutes.
“Alder Hey was amazing and they all made you feel happy, so this is my way of giving back to them.”
His mum also praised Culcheth High School for supporting Harvey and the family during their journey.
Visit justgiving.com/fundraising/harvey-ackerley1heart to donate.
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