SIX-YEAR-OLD Imogen Harman is thriving after undergoing life-saving surgery as a toddler to have a pacemaker fitted – and has now been recognised by a national charity.

The Ringwood youngster has been recognised with a British Heart Foundation (BHF) Young Heart Hero Award.

Imogen was born with complete heart block, a rare condition that affects the electrical signals that control the heartbeat.

During pregnancy, doctors closely monitored Imogen because her mum, Emily, has an autoimmune condition that can, in rare cases, affect a baby’s heart.

Emily had been told by medics there was a one to two per cent chance her condition could cause heart block in her baby, but during a routine scan doctors discovered that Imogen had developed the condition.

Mum Emily said: “Because of my autoimmune condition, I was monitored throughout my pregnancy. We were told there was only small chance that my condition could cause heart block in a baby, so we never expected it to happen to us.

“Then at a routine scan we were told there was something wrong with our baby’s heart. After further tests were done, Imogen was diagnosed with complete heart block. It was a huge shock and really overwhelming. We were warned that she might not survive.”

Imogen with parents Emily and Luke and brother Ronnie

She was delivered by caesarean section at 34 weeks and six days and went on to spend 12 days in neonatal intensive care before being allowed home.

Imogen’s unexpected surgery before the age of two

At 15 months old, after continuous monitoring by experts, doctors discovered dangerous pauses in her heartbeat and six weeks later, she underwent surgery to have a pacemaker fitted.

“I was really anxious about the surgery,” said Emily. “It was the longest four hours of my life. It was very nerve-wracking waiting for it to be over.

“But the pacemaker has given Imogen her future. Without it she wouldn’t live into adulthood.”

Today, Imogen is thriving and enjoys gymnastics, swimming and keeping up with her friends.

Emily added: “Imogen is just like any other six-year-old. She throws herself into every activity and absolutely loves gymnastics.

“People are often surprised when I tell them she has a pacemaker and that’s actually really comforting. When we first got the diagnosis, we wondered what kind of life she would be able to have. Seeing her live such a full and happy life has been such a relief.”

Award celebrating Imogen the inspiration

She has now been recognised with a BHF Young Heart Hero Award, which celebrates inspirational children who have shown courage in the face of a serious heart condition.

The awards bring together young people from across the UK who have overcome significant challenges or made a difference in the fight against cardiovascular disease.

Despite her age, Imogen has a strong understanding of her condition and confidently talks to friends about the scar from her surgery and how her pacemaker helps her heart keep beating.

Describing her daughter, Emily said: “Imogen is very caring and empathetic. She’s incredibly inquisitive and asks every question under the sun.

“It’s lovely that she’s been recognised with this award. It makes me feel very emotional because she is very special.

“Day to day she just lives a normal life, so it’s wonderful that she’s getting a day that celebrates how special she is.”

The Young Heart Hero Awards were held at the Paradox Museum in London and hosted by Dr Dan and Dr Raph Olaiya, known to many families as the ‘O-Twins’ from the BAFTA-winning CBBC programme, Operation Ouch!.

Young award winners and their families were invited to enjoy interactive exhibits and take part in hands-on science activities.

Teresa Hicks, director of fundraising at the BHF, said: “The Young Heart Hero Awards are always a highlight of our year, bringing together remarkable young people from across the UK. Each nominee shows incredible spirit and represents the very best of us.

“Imogen’s determination, kindness and courage are exactly what these awards are all about.”

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Imogen and mum, Emily