When Jo Watts gave birth to her son Eddison in Norwich, she expected a normal journey into motherhood with her third child. However, the experience quickly became a life-altering medical emergency when her newborn was diagnosed with a serious heart defect that required open-heart surgery at just ten days old.
With his heart no larger than a walnut, Eddison Watts underwent a procedure that would save his life and mark the beginning of a lifelong relationship with hospitals, specialists, and the British Heart Foundation’s network of care. His story highlights both the fragility of early life and the remarkable advances in paediatric cardiac surgery that make survival possible for thousands of children each year in the United Kingdom.
Diagnosis and Early Concerns
Jo Watts’ pregnancy began without complications. Having already delivered two healthy daughters, she anticipated another smooth experience. That expectation changed dramatically during her 20-week ultrasound scan at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital. The scan showed that something was abnormal with her baby’s heart, though doctors were initially unable to specify the problem.
She was referred to Great Ormond Street Hospital in London, where a detailed foetal cardiology scan confirmed that her unborn child had Tetralogy of Fallot, a congenital condition that affects the structure of the heart and disrupts normal blood flow. Tetralogy of Fallot is one of the most common congenital heart defects, occurring in approximately one in every 3,600 births in the UK, according to the British Heart Foundation.
The condition is characterised by four structural abnormalities: a hole between the heart’s lower chambers, a narrowed pulmonary valve, displacement of the aorta, and thickening of the right ventricle. Together, these defects prevent the heart from effectively oxygenating blood, resulting in a lack of oxygen throughout the body. Without surgical intervention, affected infants can experience severe cyanosis, fatigue, and developmental complications.
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Doctors explained to Jo that surgery would be necessary, typically when the baby reached around six months of age and was strong enough to withstand a major operation. While this was frightening, Jo and her husband Graham took comfort in the expectation that they would have time to prepare and that their son would be closely monitored after birth.
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The pregnancy proceeded under careful observation, and Jo delivered Eddison Watts without incident. The birth was normal, and after five days in the hospital, mother and baby were discharged home. Despite the diagnosis, the early days seemed reassuring, and the Watts family began to hope the situation might not be as severe as anticipated.
Emergency Surgery at Ten Days Old
That fragile sense of security collapsed just eight days later. During a home visit, a neonatal nurse checked Eddison Watts’s oxygen levels and found them to be dangerously low. Babies with Tetralogy of Fallot often experience sudden drops in oxygen saturation, known as “blue spells,” where the skin turns bluish due to inadequate oxygen in the bloodstream.
Recognising the urgency, the nurse arranged for immediate transfer to Evelina Children’s Hospital in London via the children’s acute ambulance service. Upon arrival, doctors determined that Eddison Watts’s condition had deteriorated rapidly and that he would not survive without emergency surgery. He was only ten days old when surgeons performed open-heart surgery to repair the large hole and improve blood circulation. Jo recalled being overwhelmed by fear as she watched her newborn taken to the operating theatre.
She described it as “an unknown and scary time,” adding that the medical team had to operate on a heart no larger than a walnut. The surgery, though high-risk, was a success, and Eddison was placed in intensive care to begin his recovery. The weeks that followed were physically and emotionally draining for the family. Jo and Graham watched their tiny son fight for his life, surrounded by monitors and medical equipment.
Gradually, his colour improved, his breathing stabilised, and he began feeding properly. The relief they felt seeing him recover was matched only by the lingering anxiety that comes with knowing a congenital heart defect requires lifelong management. The experience also left Jo with a profound appreciation for the expertise of paediatric surgeons and the importance of medical research that makes such procedures possible.
Recovery, Recognition, and Ongoing Challenges
Now seven years old, Eddison Watts continues to thrive, though his heart still requires careful monitoring. He attends annual check-ups at Great Ormond Street Hospital, where specialists assess the condition of his repaired heart and measure how well it functions as he grows. Doctors have told the family that he will need valve replacement surgery during his teenage years, a common requirement for children with his condition.
Jo explained that his heart works harder than average, meaning he tires more easily and must pace himself during physical activity. Despite this, Eddison Watts is an active, cheerful child who plays football with his local team and understands when he needs to rest. His awareness and determination have become a source of pride for his family. Eddison’s experience has also inspired him to help others facing similar challenges.
Motivated by gratitude and empathy, he encouraged his school, Cawston Primary near Norwich, and his father’s local bowls club to raise funds for the British Heart Foundation. Together, they contributed over £650 to support the organisation’s research into congenital heart disease. His efforts earned him national recognition in September, when he received a Young Heart Hero Award at a British Heart Foundation ceremony held at the Paradox Museum in Knightsbridge, London.
The award celebrated young people across the UK who have shown exceptional bravery or made contributions to heart health awareness. For Eddison Watts, it was an unforgettable experience. He described it as “really exciting” and said he especially enjoyed meeting other children living with heart conditions.
The event offered reassurance and camaraderie, both for him and his mother, who found comfort in knowing that other families had faced similar challenges. Jo expressed that she would have appreciated such support when Eddison was first diagnosed and has since volunteered to speak with parents going through the same ordeal. She believes that emotional guidance from someone with lived experience can make a profound difference during what is often an isolating and frightening time.
Eddison Watts’s journey reflects the extraordinary progress made in paediatric cardiology over recent decades. Before the establishment of the British Heart Foundation and the research it funds, most babies born with severe congenital heart defects did not survive their first year of life. Today, more than eight out of ten children with these conditions in the UK live to adulthood, thanks to early diagnosis, advanced surgical methods, and improved post-operative care. The ongoing development of less invasive procedures and adaptive medical technologies continues to improve outcomes, offering hope for even better quality of life for patients like Eddison in the future.
For the Watts family, the experience has permanently shaped their outlook on life and their appreciation for the healthcare system that saved their son. Jo often reflects on how medical intervention, scientific research, and the dedication of healthcare professionals transformed what could have been a devastating tragedy into a story of resilience and gratitude. She emphasises that behind every statistic is a child and a family whose lives are profoundly affected by heart disease. Her advocacy and willingness to share her story aim to raise awareness about the importance of ongoing support and funding for cardiac research.
As Eddison Watts grows older, his future remains bright. He continues to live with some physical limitations, but his determination and optimism define him far more than his medical condition. His recognition as a Young Heart Hero stands as a testament to his courage and his family’s unwavering strength.
Through their experience, the Watts family hopes to inspire others to support research and awareness efforts that ensure every child with a congenital heart defect receives the best chance at life. The advances in treatment that once saved Eddison’s tiny heart now serve as a beacon of hope for families across the country, proving that even the most fragile beginnings can lead to remarkable outcomes.