Leeds parents who feared unborn baby had heart disease tell of unexpected outcome

Oliver and Rebecca Broome with their daughter Lilly.

A Leeds couple who said doctors told them their unborn baby had congenital heart disease have pledged to continue to help other families after their daughter was unexpectedly born healthy.

Oliver and Rebecca Broome, of Wortley, say they are the "luckiest people on earth" and will continue fundraising for children with heart disease.

They were devastated after a 31 week scan at Leeds General Infirmary revealed a problem with baby Lilly's heart.

Oliver, 28, said they were told Lilly had Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS).

It is a rare type of congenital heart disease, where the left side of the heart doesn't develop properly and is too small.

"It felt like our world had ended, my wife and I were devastated and felt totally helpless," said Oliver.

Rebecca, also 28, said: "I just felt sad that I couldn't do anything for her. As a mum you do everything to protect your child."

Oliver said Lilly who is now aged two, was taken to intensive care after she was born on December 27 2018 and spent four nights at LGI while tests were carried out.

Oliver Broome pictured before and after his weight loss.

He said the couple were then told Lilly's heart was healthy.

Oliver said: "We were ecstatic. We just felt like a huge weight had been lifted off our shoulders. It felt like all our dreams had come true."

Rebecca said: "It was overwhelming. I was just so happy. I couldn't wait to get home and start our family life together."