Stalybridge teenager with deadly heart condition hoping for a Christmas miracle

A Stalybridge family is hoping for a Christmas miracle this year as they work tirelessly to raise £8,000 for a much-needed assistance dog.

Natasha Eastwood and her 13-year-old son Aidan had their lives turned upside down in 2017, when Aidan collapsed at primary school and was unresponsive. 

Tests at Manchester Children’s Hospital revealed his heart rate was just 43. A specialist, visiting from Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, later diagnosed Aidan with CPVT, a life-threatening heart condition. 

It means that if Aidan’s heart rate increases in response to emotional stress, it can trigger an abnormally fast and irregular heartbeat, which can lead to sudden death via cardiac arrest. 

Aidan and Natasha also face additional challenges due to Aidan’s autism and OCD. 

Aidan who covers himself head to toe to avoid contamination, finds it very difficult to leave the space safe of the home and as a result, they are almost housebound. 

Just two years ago, Aidan had a Make-A-Wish trip to Mojang headquarters in Sweden to meet the team behind Minecraft. 

Now, even simple tasks such as opening windows and food preparation are a daily struggle.

Aidan has a defibrillator at home and has a monitoring implant next to his heart which connects to the heart centre at Manchester Children’s Hospital. He also attends the specialist New Bridge School in Oldham. 

Mum Natasha is raising Aidan alone whilst working part-time at Tameside Hospital. 

Despite Aidan having numerous clinicians of varying specialities, Natasha currently has no respite or support at home, leading to a deterioration in her own health. 

“Aidan is an amazing boy,” Natasha said. “He’s lovely, polite, intelligent and a keen gamer. Although he has no quality of life and we feel like we’re merely existing.

“Simple things like going to the shop for a pint of milk are very, very difficult. 

“Aidan lives in constant fear of contamination and death.”

Natasha and Aidan are unable to celebrate Christmas and other special occasions due to the sensory overload, and will be socially isolated throughout this festive period. 

An assistance dog would not only provide Aidan with practical and emotional support, it would help with his motor control, sensory activities, CBT therapy and encourage gentle exercise for his heart which will improve his physical wellbeing.

Having an assistance dog will aid towards some independence, and assist Aidan in daily life, including hospital visits, going to a shop and even in the home environment. 

Natasha said: “An assistance dog would have a massive impact on Aidan’s life. 

“We’re in discussions with a charity who train and provide assistance dogs specialising in autism and mobility. 

“The charity could subsidise this, but we would still need to contribute £8,000 for the training.  

“Recently, Aidan had a visit to his home from a trainee assistance dog Ellie.

“Due to Aidan’s complex needs, we are unable to have any visitors to the house and have very restricted conditions to enable him to eat and drink etc, so to see Aidan with hope and enthusiasm towards Ellie is heart-warming and is encouraging for his future.”

Noah’s Art, a local pet therapy charity, have offered to support Aidan and Natasha with fundraising events, but you can help change their lives now by donating at www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/natasha-and-aidan-eastwood.