Trowbridge heart op boy so glad to be home (From Wiltshire Times)

Trowbridge heart op boy so glad to be home

8:50am Saturday 9th March 2013 in Latest News By Katie Smith

Quinton Barham has recalled his month’s stay in Bristol Children’s Hospital after returning to his Trowbridge home this week.

Quinton, 13, of Hyde Road, came home on Sunday night, only four days after having an operation to remove fluid from around his heart.

He said: “I don’t remember much. I remember the week when I was in the ward but the other three weeks are blank.

“I received lots of cards and chocolates, which I was allowed to eat, and I had visits from friends and family.”

His favourite meal, roast lamb, was cooked for his arrival home and the first thing he wanted to do was get his hair cut.

“I am not going to do much but I hope to go out next week if I am allowed by mum and dad.”

His parents, Paul and Debbie Barham, also returned home for the first time in a month, as they have been staying at Ronald McDonald House in Bristol, a charity which provides accommodation for parents of sick children.

Mr Barham, 48, said: “There is no place like your own home. It is a relief and we are glad to have him back.

“The doctors are very happy with him but we will have to go back for checkups, which will be an ongoing thing.”

Quinton will have his stitches from the draining operation removed today and doctors will decide when he is ready to go back to school.

“He seems to be fine and managing to go up the stairs, but the tiredness is the main thing. He has been on his back for nearly a month so has to take it easy.”

This week Quinton was presented with a signed Fabrice Muamba shirt by BBC Points West and while in hospital he received a package of Manchester United merchandise and a letter from Sir Alex Ferguson.

“That was a surprise. It is nice to think people are thinking of you,” Quinton said.

After his collapse on February 3, his heart was restarted with CPR from a parent and Bradford coach and the paramedics who used a defibrillator.

Quinton’s school, Clar- endon Academy, has bought a defibrillator, and his club, Bradford Town Youth Football Club, have purchased three for each of their home grounds.

Mr Barham, who returns to work as a landscaper next week, said the family had been overwhelmed by the support and once things had settled down, they would be involved in fundraising and first aid training.

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