Alba Butler is only seven years old but she’s been through more in her short life than many of us may face in a lifetime. Diagnosed in the womb with a congenital heart condition, Transposition of the great arteries (TGA), Alba underwent her first heart operation at just an hour old. This was followed by open heart surgery lasting more than nine hours when she was just eight days old.

Alba will need another operation in the coming years, but thankfully now this brave, bright, confident and kind little girl is thriving at school, embracing her love of dance and along with her family is happy to share her story in the hope that it can help others feel less alone.

On this emotional episode with Sarah Marsh, Alba’s mum Alejandra speaks about what it’s like to be told that there’s a 50% chance your first-born may not survive, how she and her partner Dan coped when Alba was in surgery, how far they’ve all come and how incredibly proud they were to see Alba receive a BHF Young Heart Hero Award.

Each day in the UK around 13 babies are diagnosed with a congenital heart condition. Before the BHF was founded in 1961 the majority of babies born with congenital heart disease died before their first birthday, but now thanks to research more than 80% survive.

The charity is powering cutting-edge science that will lead to vital breakthroughs in this field. With your support BHF-funded research can improve diagnosis and treatment for babies, children and adults with a congenital heart condition.

As a charity, the British Heart Foundation depends on the generosity of donors to continue carrying out our lifesaving research. If you too would like to donate, you can do so at bhf.org.uk/donatepod

If you've got any questions or concerns about your heart or circulatory health and want to talk with a cardiac nurse on the BHF’s Heart Helpline, go to our website at bhf.org.uk/hearthelpline and you'll find all the contact options there.

And if you’ve got your own heart story, or have any thoughts on this episode, we'd love to hear from you on email at thetickertapes@bhf.org.uk

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