A YOUNG father has spoken about his anguish after learning his newborn son may not live beyond the age of 25.
Tyler Hopson, from Brymbo, spent eight weeks in Liverpool with his partner Megan Williams, while their baby boy Finley was being treated in Alder Hey Children’s Hospital for a severe heart condition.
The 18-year-old has spoken to The Leader, saying that despite multiple surgeries, doctors will not be able to correct the issue.
Megan Williams, 17, with newborn son Finley Hopson, and Tyler Hopson, 18
He said: “20 weeks into the pregnancy, we were told that our baby was going to be born with a serious heart condition.
“Finley was born on February 12, and we weren’t allowed to touch him, we weren’t allowed to hold him, we couldn’t do anything.
“We were told that he was suffering from Hypoplastic Right Heart Syndrome, and that he would need three surgeries.
“He’s had one surgery already about three months ago, and will need two more, one in a couple months’ time, and the other when he’s between the ages of one and two-years-old.
Finley Hopson, above and below, in Alder Hey Children's Hospital
“But the doctors have told us that they can’t do anything to fix it, they can prolong it and make the best of what they can with the issue, but it’s not something they can correct.
“Even more heart-breaking though, is that because of the condition, Finley has a life expectancy of around 25 years.”
Hypoplastic Right Heart Syndrome (HRHS) is a range of right-sided congenital heart defects in which the right-sided structures such as the tricuspid valve, right ventricle and/or pulmonary valve are underdeveloped or not formed.
When these structures are too small or do not function properly, the right side of the heart cannot send enough blood to the lungs.
Mr Hopson went on to describe his emotions during the eight-week period they spent in Liverpool.
“We stayed in a charity hotel called Ronald McDonald House whilst Finley was being treated and there was so much uncertainty, it was horrible.
“He could breathe, but his oxygen levels were always dropping because of the condition and the doctors had him sedated in an incubator for four weeks.
Tyler Hopson has a tattoo of a heart on his chest, in the same spot where his son now has a scar as a result of the surgery
“It was awful seeing him in there, it’s your newborn child but you can’t do anything to help, you can’t hold him or touch him.
“It was like we were just looking at a lifeless body lying there, it really was the worst feeling in the world.
“I think it’s fair to say that having a child at our age is stressful enough, but for me and Megan to see everything that Finley has had to go through in just his first few months has been truly terrible.”
Mr Hopson returned home to Wrexham with Miss Williams, 17, and Finley on April 4.
Tyler Hopson with Finley
He has since got a tattoo of a heart on his chest, in the same spot where his son now has a scar as a result of the surgery.
He explained why he chose to get the tattoo, and what it represents.
“I decided to get a heart tattooed on me because it represents what Finley has gone through.
“I’m so proud that he has gone through so much at just the start of his life, and he has fought the condition with everything he has.
Megan Williams and Tyler Hopson back home with baby Finley
“I want to show Finley when he gets older that he shouldn’t be ashamed of his scar, that he should be proud as well, and I can stand side by side with him, with a mark on me too.”
Mr Hopson thanked Alder Hey Hospital for all the work they have done to help his son and hopes that soon they can get back on track to living their normal lives.
He said: “The doctors and staff at Alder Hey have been amazing and I can’t thank them enough for all they’ve done for Finley and for us too.
“I couldn’t have asked for a better hospital to take care of my son and give him the best possible care and treatment.
“The scariest thing of everything is knowing that one day we will have to tell Finley everything that’s happened, that doctors have given him about 25 years to live, but that’s something we’ll have to deal with when the time is right.
“Obviously I’m still scared for the future, Finley has two more surgeries to go but hopefully soon we can go back to resuming our regular lives.”
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