Mum appeals for help for 6-year-old boy at risk of heart failure

A Kildare mum has organised a fundraiser for her little boy who is at risk of heart failure.

Hughie Hunter, aged 6, was diagnosed with Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) on April 30 at Our Lady’s Children Hospital in Crumlin. SVT is a type of irregular heartbeat, also called an arrhythmia.

Speaking of his diagnosis, his mum, Jasmine, explained on a GoFundMe page: “In less doctor terms, his heart beats too fast for the function of his heart which puts his heart under pressure and can result in cardiac arrest which classes him as a heart failure patient.”

Now, Hughie is on medication to maintain his irregular heart rhythm. According to his mum, surgery is inevitable in his lifetime, and may result in a pacemaker.

“A defibrillator for our household would be completely life changing in the event he has an attack and could save his life as the nearest defibrillator to us is seven minutes away which is detrimental in those moments,” she said.

With the fundraiser, Jasmine hopes the family might be able to raise enough money to provide a defibrillator for their little boy, and to give him “the best chance to live a long fulfilled life and to enjoy his childhood like every 6-year-old should.”

"With this condition comes things he cannot do which involves high adrenaline sports, caffeinated drinks (cup of tea) and other fun stuff the rest of us get to take advantage of daily. I would like to thank everyone for all the support and generosity you have already shown us this past week it has been overwhelming and has not gone unnoticed and I appreciate you all so much,” she said.

You can donate to the fundraiser here.