A WOMBWELL youngster who suffered a cardiac arrest after undergoing open heart surgery has been nominated for a Proud of Barnsley award following his miraculous recovery.

Finn Watkinson was born at 33 weeks with a disease called Williams syndrome which affects just one in 20,000 people in the UK.

It causes mild to moderate intellectual disability, unique facial features and a distinctive outgoing and sociable personality.

Due to being born prematurely, Finn underwent a number of tests at hospitals - including Sheffield Children’s - where it was found that he had a number of issues with his heart.

However, because he was so small doctors were unable to complete any surgeries until he became a suitable weight and size.

His mum, Amy Whittingham, told the Chronicle: “After spending five weeks in the special care baby unit Finn was allowed home.

“He did require a check up for a heart murmur but was told this is something which is prone in premature babies.

“Three months later we went back and found the murmur had actually got worse and was referred to the children’s cardiac team at Leeds General Infirmary.

“Further tests and investigations found that Finn had two heart problems.

“This meant when Finn would be big enough he would have to undergo open heart surgery to remove the narrowing and patch the arteries back together using cow skin.

“He was admitted to Leeds on July 14 for his surgery to take place on the 15th.

“The six-and-a-half hour surgery was a great success and Finn was transferred to the ICU unit with the view of moving him to the ward the next day because of how well Finn was doing.”

But following the surgery, Amy received a call to tell her that he had suffered a cardiac arrest.

She was told to ‘say her goodbyes’ and she feared the worst - but he’s undergone a miraculous recovery ever since.

Amy said: “Finn had suffered a cardiac arrest and was being resuscitated.

“I rushed to him but wasn’t allowed in the room as they were still performing CPR.

“His surgeon then appeared and proceeded to re open Finn’s chest and continue with CPR internally.

“After 90 minutes and 22 rounds of adrenaline they were able to establish a rhythm to be able to place Finn on life support.

“After two days he was taken off the live support machine and sedation was gradually lifted.

“Unfortunately either during the cardiac arrest or during CPR Finn had suffered a hypoxic ischaemic brain injury due to the lack of oxygen and was left paralysed down his left hand side.

“He then had to be readmitted back to hospital after an abscess had formed under his chest wound.

“Since then Finn has continued to fight back and is improving slowly every day.”

Finn has subsequently been nominated for a Proud of Barnsley award.

Amy added: “At such a young age Finn has endured more than what some of us do in our lifetime and this is why I feel he would be perfect for the Proud of Barnsley award.

“He’s taught me no matter what life throws at you to keep pushing through with a smile on your face.

“He is truly a superstar and massive inspiration.”