The Face Of Hope

James, 12, thrilled at new heart

- Grace Macaskill

Brave James Barrow cannot hide his delight at getting a new chance of life – thanks to a heart transplant in the middle of the Covid-19 pandemic.

James, 12, is one of only 20 patients given a new heart since the entire focus of the NHS turned to stemming the virus outbreak.

The lad was able to go home a fortnight ago after a remarkable recovery from his eight-hour op – having spent eight months attached to a mechanical heart.

Dad Graham said: “It’s amazing the NHS was able to give James a transplant despite Covid.

“He’s an inspiration. I can’t put into words how proud we are.”

SURREAL

Mum Catherine, a neurology nurse, said: “It’s been an incredible journey, and surreal my own son being so poorly in the pandemic.”

Coronavirus restrictions meant only Catherine, 44, could be with James at Great Ormond Street, while Graham and brother Thom, 14, waited nervously at home.

They were tested for Covid before the op could go ahead and were kept isolated together.