Hello, my name is Gemma I am a primary school teacher from Anglesey in North Wales. I am married and have 2 children Elsi 8 and my little heart warrior Mabon Gwyn who is forever 4. Mabon was born with CCTGA, VSD & sub-pulmonary stenosis, he had 4 open-heart surgeries during his short life, as well as many other procedures. We spent a lot of time in hospital after Mabon’s third surgery and although he fought so hard, unfortunately he passed away in December 2023.
My personal experience during pregnancy and Mabon’s life led to me feeling passionate about helping other heart families and improving services and support especially in North Wales as at times we feel so far from Alder Hey. I have previously volunteered for the charity Heart Heroes and ran hubs for families in North Wales and the North West, building strong relationships with families. I am also in the process of setting up my own charity in Mabon’s memory (Mighty Mabon’s Legacy) as I still want to support families in hospital, to ensure standards of care are high in all centres and that families are aware of what support they can access, as well as raising awareness of CHD and supporting other heart charities. The support families receive after the loss of their child is also an area I would like to see improved.