By Linzi Watson

Last updated at 12:53, Thursday, 07 August 2008

The proud parents of the Cumbrian baby born with a serious heart defect have spoken of their mixed emotions at welcoming him home for the first time in months.

Theo at home with mum and dad Rebecca Giles and Ryan Davies

One-year-old Theo Davies, who was born with half a heart, returned to his Keswick home yesterday evening but will go back to hospital in a few weeks for his latest operation.

The brave tot, who was given just two weeks to live last month, has amazed doctors with his recovery after he began breathing on his own again.

But little Theo, who has already endured six operations in his short life, is soon to undergo another procedure to strengthen one of his heart valves.

Parents Rebecca Giles and Ryan Davies, both 22, returned from Newcastle’s Freeman Hospital with their only child, who was welcomed home after a ten-week stay with balloons and banners.

Rebecca told the News & Star: “It is absolutely amazing to have him home but we are feeling mixed emotions.

“He has to return to hospital in a couple of weeks to have another operation.

“Theo still has a lot to go through.

“He still needs a heart transplant, this might not be until he is seven or a teenager but he will need a new heart.”

She added: “If we were to take him to the clinic for the first time right now he would be admitted but he has been allowed home because he has been through so much and has done so well.”

Dad Ryan added: “We know what to look for if something does go wrong, but he is so happy.”

He added: “The most normal things like being able to have him at home, are a real treat.”

Rebecca added: “I am really looking forward to spending as much time with him as I can.

“Obviously we got to spend time with him in hospital but it isn’t the same.”

Within days of birth, Theo was rushed to hospital in Newcastle when his heart began to fail.

He was diagnosed with the life-threatening hypoplastic left heart syndrome and was put on a life support machine in desperate need of a transplant.

Ryan added: “He is our little star, he has been through so much.”

Cuddling a smiling Theo, Rebecca added: “He has got a long way to go but I don’t think he is going anywhere.”

First published at 11:47, Thursday, 07 August 2008
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk