Pioneering surgery hope for Sophie

A Shropshire teenager could undergo a pioneering medical technique which will avoid her having to face more open heart surgery.

Sophie Myles, from Ellesmere, has spent her life travelling to and from Birmingham Childrens' Hospital.

She had her first open heart surgery when she was just a few weeks old and has faced other treatment since.

But the 18-year-old, who is studying at Walford and North Shropshire College to become a vet, has gone on to prove that her problems have been no obstacle in her life.

Now her mother, Gill Dermody, said the teenager now needed more treatment but was hoping to avoid major surgery.

She said: "Our daughter is in the position now, where she needs obstructive muscle removed from her heart.

"The traditional way is open heart surgery but her cardiologist is pioneering a technique via a cardiac catheter, in the hope that surgery can be avoided in the future," she said.

"Unfortunately, the hospital does not provide funding for pioneering research into techniques that could be performed via a cardiac catheter and so preventing open heart surgery."

Gill and her husband Neil, have organised a charity golf day next weekend to raise funds for research. It will be held at the Henlle Park Golf Club at Gobowen near Oswestry, on May 30.

She said: "We are raising funds for the heart unit at Birmingham Children's Hospital, where our daughter Sophie has had open heart surgery and cardiac catheterisations.

"The money we have raised at past events, and the money raised at this event, goes towards research work and obviously the heart unit itself."

Mrs Dermody said that there would be a grand raffle and auction at the golf day.

"We have been asking local companies for prizes but unfortunately, the response has been poor."

Anyone who could help with a raffle or auction prize or who is interested in taking part in the golf day can contact (01691) 623951.