A DEVASTATED mother whose baby boy died aged just four days has joined a campaign to save surgery at the heart unit where he was treated.
Katherine Hirons, 23, of east Hull, lost her son, Aaron, on April 3 due to a heart condition.
He was born at Leeds General Infirmary on March 30 and was cared for in the hospital's heart unit, where surgery is under threat as part of a review of children's heart surgery services in England.
Now, although Aaron's life could not be saved, Katherine and her husband Luke, 22, want people to sign the petition to save surgery at the unit.
The campaign was launched by the Children's Heart Surgery Fund (CHSF), which backs the unit, and the petition has been signed by more than 250,000 people so far.
Katherine said: "They did everything they could for Aaron, as they do for other babies.
"Now surgery is under threat and it is disgraceful.
"They helped my poor small boy fight for his life so he could give me a cuddle. If it wasn't for them, Aaron would not have survived for as long as he did.
"We need to do everything we can to save Leeds."
A review panel has recommended a reduction in the number of units to create fewer, larger centres.
Of the four options being considered as part of the review, only one will see surgery in Leeds survive.
Closure of the unit, which is one of 11 in England, would mean families from East Yorkshire may have to travel to Newcastle or Liverpool, which are the closest centres after Leeds.
The consultation phase ends on July 1 before a final recommendation will be made.
Katherine said: "The doctors were really good and so honest with us. They were so supportive. The work they do is unbelievable."
The CHSF will hold a meeting at the Royal Hotel in Ferensway, city centre, at 11am on Saturday, May 14, to tell people in the city about the review.
To sign the petition, or to find out more, visit www.chsf.org.uk
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