Boy, 5, goes outside for first time since heart operation

A five-year-old boy who has had five heart operations has taken his first steps outside a hospital building in weeks.

Amelia Christie's son Oliver has been a regular at Alder Hey Children's Hospital since his early life as he has two serious conditions - a congenital defect on the left side of his heart and cerebral palsy, the lifelong condition that affects movement and co-ordination.

Oliver saw another little girl playing outside the hospital in the sunshine earlier this month and told his mum he wanted to go outside.

Amelia said: "It was absolutely lovely for him to be outside and feel the fresh air on his face - he was so happy.

"He was very, very excited so he took a little walk outside, which was so lovely for him, especially with the sunshine. He hadn't been outside for two weeks."

Oliver had his latest open heart surgery on 9 March and was finally able to step outside weeks later.

In footage, shared by Amelia, nurses and hospital staff can be heard cheering as Oliver begins to leave the ward in his football PJs and make his way outside.

"There was some community football pitches and he could see some people playing football, which was which was absolutely lovely - he was so excited to see the football as well," Ameila said.

Amelia and her partner take it in turns to stay in their son's room, with the other parent sleeping at Ronald McDonald House which provides accommodation for families.

Amelia said: "It is hard, but we really do just enjoy every day. He is a very, very happy little boy.

"All his surgeries are palliative surgeries - his heart will never be fixed, but the surgeries help prolong life into adulthood."

Amelia said the family "love creating memories every day" with Oliver.

"We just really try and make the most of every day," she added.

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