‘Incredibly proud’ - South Shields primary school inspired after two pupils underwent major heart surgery
Two pupils who underwent major heart surgery have inspired their South Shields primary school.
Three-year-old Bobby Thompson and five-year-old Isabella Brown, who are both pupils at St Gregory’s Catholic Primary School, have inspired the school, on Harton House Road East, in a fundraising day after they both underwent major heart surgery.
Nursery pupil Bobby was diagnosed with a congenital heart condition during a 20-week pregnancy scan and had his first of three open heart surgeries when he was just three-months-old.
Isabella, who is in Reception, was diagnosed with Turner’s Syndrome at the age of one-years-old and underwent surgery in January 2025.
Both youngsters received specialist care at the Freeman Hospital, in Newcastle, and continue to need ongoing medical support.
Their stories have inspired the school’s community and the School and Parent Association (SAPA) to hold a variety of fundraising and awareness-raising activities in support of the Children’s Heart Unit Fund (CHUF).
As a result, St Gregory’s marked Wear Red for CHUF Day which saw them raise £1,097.80 for the charity that works with the Freeman Hospital and other heart units in the region to support children and their families during their treatment.
CHUF has supported both Isabella and Bobby’s families during their treatment and they have spoken about how important the charity is to them.
Sophie, Isabella’s mam, said: “Turner’s Syndrome is a genetic disorder which affects one in 2,000 girls.
“It can have a range of effects on physical health and after routine cardiac investigations, Isabella was found to have a congenital heart defect due to Turner’s Syndrome.
“Isabella underwent heart surgery to correct the abnormality in January 2025 and will attend the Paediatric Cardio Unit at the Freeman Hospital regularly for the rest of her childhood and adolescence and will potentially undergo further surgery in the future.
“CHUF have supported us through Isabella’s heart journey so far and will continue to support us and other families for as long as they’re able to.
“I’m sure I speak for all those families when I say that their support is invaluable. Isabella has had many obstacles to overcome but she continues to smash every single one of them.
“We are so proud of our butterfly and we’re so grateful for organisations such as CHUF.”
Samantha, Bobby’s mam, added: “At 20 weeks pregnant we found out that Bobby had a hole in his heart and at the time our world turned upside down.
“Bobby was born with a complex congenital condition known as partial atrioventricular septal defect (PAVSD).
“This is a hole in the wall of the heart and a problem with the valves separating the upper and lower chambers.
“At three-months-old Bobby’s condition deteriorated, and we were admitted into Freeman hospital where Bobby had his first of three open heart operations.
“CHUF were an absolute lifeline at that time for my family helping in both practical and emotional ways.
“They provided meal tokens so we could eat as a family, they funded V-Create, which is a secure video messaging services used in both PICU and ward 23 so we can stay connected when I couldn’t physically stay with Bobby, and above all supported my daughter with the play team, in ways I’ll forever be thankful for.
“They were a listening ear to her, offering sibling movie and pizza nights, and were always there no matter the situation we were faced with.
“CHUF have made every hospital admission into the Freemans that little bit easier knowing that they are there for you.
“We are still unsure of the future for Bobby as we know there will be a time he’s going need more open-heart surgeries, but CHUF will of course be on hand to help us through it.”
Emma Shaughnessy, headteacher at St Gregory’s, has expressed her pride in the school coming together to support CHUF after they helped those closest to both Bobby and Isabella.
She commented: “We are supporting CHUF because their work embodies the compassion, hope and dignity we strive to live out each day.
“They have walked alongside Bobby, Isabella and so many other families with unwavering care. Supporting CHUF allows us, as a Catholic community, to put our mission into action.
“I am incredibly proud of how our school community has united in support of our children and their families.
“This initiative reflects the very best of who we are – a community rooted in compassion, unity and a shared commitment to caring for one another.
“I want to express my sincere thanks to our School and Parent Association (SAPA), whose dedication and hard work have been essential in shaping this initiative.
“Their support demonstrates the strength of our partnership with families and our collective desire to make a meaningful difference.”
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