Shivom was born in 2012. On Mothers Day of that year when he was 4 weeks old he was diagnosed with Beta Thalassaemia Major. This is blood disorder that means that he does not synthesise haemoglobin that is vital to carry oxygen around within his body and needs blood transfusions in order to survive. At 11 weeks his haemoglobin dropped to 49g/L (normal being >130 - 162g/L for a male). He has been transfusion dependent since then and now requires blood transfusions every 3 weeks. This requires multiple blood tests, cannula, and time in hospital. 

With each transfusion, there is iron overload to the heart and liver, and Shivom has a 12 hour subcutaneous infusion every night to remove the iron from his body and prevent cardiac and liver failure.

Shivom additionally unfortunately had a complication from his treatment in 2016 and developed a perforated duodenum where he spent 3 months at GOSH, and underwent 6 different surgeries to repair this. 

Throughout his treatment he has shown immense bravery and resilience.

We are so grateful to all the medical care, and hospitals that have been involved in his care, and to UKTS for their invaluable support over the years. Shivom is running 5 kilometres to raise money for UK Thalassaemia Society UKTS. 

The charity offers support, advice, counselling & distributes information encouraging blood screening. It also organises conferences for patients & health professionals to keep them up to date on the latest treatments available.

Thank for your support.