Brave Bonhill tot who underwent open heart surgery at four weeks old named Young Heart Hero

A courageous toddler from Bonhill, who underwent open-heart surgery at just four weeks old, has been honoured as a Young Heart Hero for his bravery. Teddy McPhee, now two years old, was diagnosed with aortic stenosis shortly after his birth in August 2022. This condition causes a narrowing of the aortic valve, impeding normal blood flow to the heart. During the surgery to correct his condition, one of Teddy’s arteries was torn, leading surgeons at Glasgow’s Queen Elizabeth University Hospital to perform the Ross Procedure – replacing his aortic valve with a donor valve. Teddy is believed to be one of the youngest babies in the UK to undergo this procedure, which was successful.

Today, Teddy is a vibrant and happy toddler, enjoying his childhood with his older brothers, Robson (8) and Bradley (11). Recently, he was recognised at The British Heart Foundation (BHF) Young Heart Hero Awards among 20 children from across Britain for their exceptional stories of resilience and hope. Teddy’s mother, Gillian, described the journey from diagnosis to recovery as a rollercoaster of emotions, including the fear of losing him during the surgery. Despite the challenges, Teddy has shown remarkable strength and is now thriving like any other lively toddler.

Gillian, who also runs a nursery, has become a dedicated fundraiser for the BHF, raising awareness about heart conditions in children and supporting life-saving research. Teddy’s inspiring story serves as a beacon of hope for many families facing similar challenges. His infectious joy and resilience have captured the hearts of many, including David McColgan, Head of BHF Scotland, who commended Teddy and his family for their fundraising efforts and advocacy.

As the festive season approaches, the BHF is encouraging donations to support their ongoing research into heart and circulatory diseases. Teddy’s story reminds us of the importance of raising awareness and supporting those affected by such conditions. Teddy’s journey serves as a testament to the power of resilience and the unwavering support of families and communities in times of adversity.