Glasgow baby saved by doctor’s accidental discovery

Reuben Lester developed coarctation of the aorta, meaning his body's largest artery narrowed after birth.

It did not show up immediately on his hospital checks and as he appeared to be a happy and healthy baby, the alarm was not raised.

Reuben Lester (Image: Mark F Gibson)

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It wasn’t until mum Claudine Lester, 35, happened to be in the Queen Elizabeth Hospital for an unrelated infection that medics decided to look over the infant, just as a precaution.

However, they quickly discovered he actually had a heart murmur and further investigations revealed how serious his condition was.

He was quickly rushed into ICU and had to go into life-saving surgery leaving Claudine and dad Rob Lester, 35, completely shocked.

Claudine, who lives in the West End, explained: “It all happened so fast, we feel very lucky it was caught quickly but the whole thing was scary.

I had been in hospital for an infection I got after giving birth and since I was breastfeeding I brought Reuben in with me.

“I was getting ready to leave when the doctors offered to look him over as well and that is when they noticed something was wrong.

“He had to be taken to ICU right away, it was so shocking because he never seemed ill and suddenly he needed life-saving surgery.

“It was just by chance that it was found, without the surgery, he could have died suddenly. It is awful to think about.

“I am so grateful to all the staff at The Queen Elizabeth Hospital and the Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow. We got taken care of really well.”

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Mum Claudine Lester is raising money for the British Heart Foundation after her son developed a rare heart condition. (Image: Mark F Gibson)

Now Reuben has made a full recovery and will turn two-years-old at the end of October.

To celebrate the huge achievement Claudine is running 10k to support World Heart Day with funds going towards the British Heart Foundation.

The global event occurs on Sunday, September 29 and focuses on heart health to save lives.

Her fundraiser reads: “My son, Reuben, was diagnosed with congenital heart disease shortly after his birth in 2022.

“He had a rare condition called coarctation of the aorta, where a part of his aorta narrowed after birth. He had life-saving heart surgery and is now under lifelong cardiac care for his bicuspid aorta.

“We were so lucky his condition was found routinely and operated on before it had any detrimental effect.

“To celebrate Reuben turning two in October, I am challenging myself to a 10k race.

"I aim to raise as much money as I can for the wonderful British Heart Foundation, both for Reuben's future care and for families in similar situations to us: babies born with broken hearts, and all the other heart issues that can occur at all ages.”

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Mum Claudine Lester and little Reuben at home (Image: Mark F Gibson)

Claudine is raising money by running 10k (Image: Mark F Gibson) It added: “To celebrate Reuben turning two in October, I am challenging myself to a 10k race.

“I aim to raise as much money as I can for the wonderful British Heart Foundation, both for Reuben's future care and for families in similar situations to us: babies born with broken hearts, and all the other heart issues that can occur at all ages.

“Harper and Reuben will also be running the mini races, so it's a full family effort, Rob as lead cheerleader!

“The British Heart Foundation funds lifesaving medical research to beat the world's biggest killers.

“Every donation funds scientific breakthroughs. Your donations will support the lifesaving research that turns science fiction into reality.”

To donate towards Claudine’s run and support the British Heart Foundation you can click here.