The parents Derry baby James McBride, who travelled to London for open heart surgery, have expressed their relief after a successful operation.
At just 16 weeks, James has overcome various health difficulties in his short life and his parents Kevin and Annemarie are at his bedside, willing their 'wee hero' to show the same courage once again.
Annemarie told the Derry News the surgery had gone to plan and James was “looking well considering all he has been through.”
She added: "We left by air ambulance on Sunday to Evelina hospital in London and had a number of tests ahead of his surgery. James had his open heart surgery on Tuesday which lasted six hours.
"His surgery proved to be more complicated than what was expected and it was the longest and most difficult wait of our lives while James was in theatre.
"Our stomachs were in knots with nerves but we knew he was in the best of hands. His surgeon said it was a very difficult procedure and so took a lot more time but he is happy with the outcome of the surgery."
James is in intensive care following his surgery and is doing well so far, with the family “taking each day as it comes.”
Annemarie said: "He looks well considering. He is connected to a lot of monitors and drains but looks well considering all he has been through. Our wee hero."
James had kidney problems before he was born and had to be kept in the neo natal intensive care unit.
At five weeks, he was due surgery on his kidneys when it was discovered his throat was only one millimetre wide which causes him severe difficulty breathing.
He needed an emergency tracheotomy - an incision in the windpipe made to relieve an obstruction to breathing - which required 24 hour ventilation and care.
At almost 16 weeks old James has unfortunately only been home for one week with his parents and big sister Anna, who live in the Branch area of Derry.
A fundraiser was held last Friday to support James and parents as they travelled to London to be by his side.
Sporting stars are among those who have donated.
Annemarie said: "A lot of people and businesses donated some amazing prizes for the raffle on the night of which included items such as; signed Ireland top by James McClean, a signed Derry City top by all the players and a signed flag from Royal Portrush by Rory McIlroy when he beat the course record at the age of 16 by shooting a 61 in the North of Ireland Championships.
"There was a great turn out on the night and a great atmosphere. We are very lucky to be surrounded by such amazing people who have been more than generous. The total on the night raised was £4,778.
"And there is also a just giving page set up by one of our friends which is currently sitting over £2,500. It was great to see everyone on the night and it gave us a big push for our travels to London."
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