Oceanna Grand Appeal

For Bristol Children Hospital, Renal Unit.

Hi this is Nathan, Oceanna's daddy we are looking to raise as much money as possible for Wallace & Gromit Grand Appeal in support of Bristol Children Hosptial (Renal Unit)

We have opened an account with HSBC Oceanna Grand Appeal with all money going to the Hospital to say thank you for looking after Oceanna during her kidney Transplant from my self.

This extra money will help a great deal for the hospital and the Renal Unit Oceanna was looked after in.

Here Below are some of the stories that were printed about us, and please donate as little or as much as you can every penny helps save a child's life.

THANK YOU 

Oceanna, Nathan and Family xx

Dad's gift of a kidney is the best birthday present

Thursday, November 03, 2011

West Briton

OCEANNA THOMAS will celebrate her seventh birthday in a couple of weeks, but has already had the most precious gift imaginable from her dad – a new kidney.

Nathan, 28, from Redruth, made what he described as the easiest decision of his life to donate the organ after he was found to be a perfect match.

Oceanna was born with one kidney and underwent surgery and dialysis within the first week of life.

Since then, the Penpol School pupil has lived with an 11 per cent kidney function, enduring frequent hospital visits and medication to keep her stable.

Last month, dad and daughter travelled to separate hospitals in Bristol for the operations.

As soon as he was able to after surgery, Nathan made the short journey across the city to the children's hospital to visit her.

He said: "I went to see her and it was the best feeling in the world.

"She said, 'I'm all right, Daddy'. She was smiling and I gave her a massive hug."

Although Oceanna's health has improved dramatically since the transplant, it has not been all plain sailing.

Last week, she was poorly and had to return to Bristol amid fears her body was rejecting her new kidney.

But following a series of tests, she has been allowed back home to continue her recovery.

Despite her young age, she has taken the ordeal in her stride and christened her new organ "Sidney the kidney".

She is putting on weight, has more energy than she had before and has developed an appetite.

"I really love my daddy," she said.

Her journey back to full-fitness is likely to take a long time but she hopes to return to school in time for Christmas.

Her birthday, on November 20, is likely to be a relatively quiet occasion but her dad has already promised her a hot air balloon ride in the new year.

Dad and daughter were supported throughout their ordeal by Oceanna's mum Tammy Sullivan, Nathan's mum and dad and his partner Hayley.

The family are grateful to Bristol Southmead and Bristol children's hospitals and to Bristol Area Kidney Association's Hales House, which provided accommodation.

As soon as his strength returns, Nathan and his family and friends intend to fundraise for all of them.

He said: "I don't know how I can repay them but I will find a way if I can."

Hamper gift to boost hospital fund

Friday, December 23, 2011 

Western Morning News 

A lottery-winning couple have taken the season of goodwill to heart and donated a luxury hamper to a devoted father and the daughter whose life he saved by donating one of his kidneys.

Nathan Thomas, 28, from Redruth, gave up his kidney and his rugby career to save his daughter, Oceanna, who was born with only one kidney.

After undergoing surgery and dialysis from the first week of her life, the little girl has been in and out of hospital ever since.

But after finding out he was an almost perfect donor match, Mr Thomas didn't hesitate to give his kidney to his sick daughter.

An avid rugby player for both Redruth Rugby Club and Cornwall Under 20s, Mr Thomas was advised to hang up his boots after the operation, which took place on October 5 when his daughter was just six years old.

The youngster spent weeks recovering in the Bristol Children's Hospital Renal Unit and was allowed home just in time for her seventh birthday.

Mr Thomas has since set up Oceanna's Grand Appeal which raises funds for Wallace & Gromit's Grand Appeal in support of the Bristol Children's Hospital.

The luxury hamper was donated by Derek and Dawn Ladner, also from Redruth, who in 2007 won £958,284 after accidently buying two winning tickets for the same draw, earning them two shares of the £2,395,710 jackpot.

Mr Thomas said he was delighted with the gift, which will be auctioned off in the New Year to raise money for the appeal set up in his daughter's name.

"We would like to raise as much money for the Wallace & Gromit's Appeal to say thank you for treating our daughter Oceanna and giving her a better quality of life, and to ensure other children and parents have the support that we had," he said.

 

 

 

 

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

So please dig deep and donate now.