A two-year-old boy from Barnsley has defied medical odds after being brought back to life following a 90-minute cardiac arrest, with his beaming smile becoming a symbol of hope and resilience.
The Night Everything Changed
Finn Watkinson, born prematurely at 33 weeks in December 2022 weighing just 3lbs 11oz, has a rare genetic condition called Williams Syndrome - often nicknamed 'happy syndrome' due to the characteristically cheerful personalities of those affected. The condition, which affects approximately one in 18,000 people, frequently causes heart complications.
After a routine check revealed a heart murmur, further investigation uncovered a major heart defect requiring surgery. In July 2025, Finn underwent a six-and-a-half hour procedure at Leeds General Infirmary to correct narrowing arteries on both sides of his heart.
90 Minutes Without a Heartbeat
The surgery initially appeared successful until disaster struck in the middle of the night. Finn went into cardiac arrest, prompting an emergency response that saw his parents, Amy Whitingham, 40, and Kevan Watkinson, 42, rushing to the theatre in their pyjamas.
"We were told there was a problem and we needed to get to Finn's side now," Amy recalled. "I saw the surgeon who had performed the heart surgery, Dr Ali Al-Sarraf, run by us and go into the theatre. He opened Finn's chest and reached into his heart where he massaged it internally."
For an agonising 90 minutes, Finn showed no signs of life as medical teams worked frantically, administering 20 adrenaline shots before finally restoring a heartbeat.
The Road to Recovery
The following two days were touch-and-go, with the family being advised to say their goodbyes. But Amy refused to give up hope, playing Finn's favourite Jonas Brothers songs each morning as part of his normal routine.
Miraculously, five days later, Finn completely came off life support and was transferred to Sheffield Children's Hospital on August 4. The moment he was placed in a cot there, he started jumping up and down and smiling.
"I laughed and cried at the same time," Amy said. "I was overjoyed at how happy he was already. He was going to be okay."
The prolonged cardiac arrest resulted in hypoxic ischemic brain injury due to oxygen deprivation, causing some speech regression. However, Finn progressed well enough to return home in mid-August, with doctors hopeful for a full recovery.
By September, the resilient toddler was well enough to serve as mascot for his favourite football team, Barnsley FC. He continues to start each day with a half-hour dance session to the Jonas Brothers - a passion linked to his Williams Syndrome, which often includes a strong affinity for music.
"At such a young age Finn has endured more than what some of us do in our lifetime and he has come through it smiling," Amy said. "He is truly a superstar and a massive inspiration. The doctors and nurses have all said what a miracle he is."
