Sophie’s milestone party after major operations

Brave Sophie Baylis, from Catterall, who has suffered health problems from birth, turned five this month and had not one but two princesses to join her for the occasion, with Disney’s Anna and Elsa the guest stars of the day.

It was touch and go on several occasions for the determined youngster, who suffered a cardiac arrest during a major operation at Alder Hey Hospital to fit a man-made artery conduit in February.

Sophie, a huge fan of the Disney film Frozen, has battled back to health and was able to celebrate her dream day with a themed party with all of her family and friends from Kirkland and Catterall St Helen’s CE Primary School.

Sophie suffered a cardiac arrest during a major operation at Alder Hey Hospital to fit a man made artery conduit in February. but since then has battled back to health.

Amd she was making the most of her milestone birthday with a party with a Frozen theme.

Mum Amanda said: “She gave us quite a scare, having a cardiac arrest on the table was something quite catastrophic.

“But since the operation, she has settled back in at school and for the first-time ever has been able to celebrate a proper birthday. It was emotional.”

Her delighted parents Amanda and Grant held the themed party at Catterall Village Hall and tailor made the day so she could keep up with all the activities.

And the party-goers were of course treated to a special rendition of the film’s hit soundtrack ‘Let it Go.’

“As a family this was a massive milestone,” Amanda added.