#ThisIsLuke

This is 7 year old Luke.

Luke was a budding 7 year old rugby player, a bundle of joy who even at a young age had embraced life and everyday was a happy day. His whole family was part of the rugby community, with his dad coaching many age grade youngsters and his mum, running a children’s rugby kit recycling stall, so that the young boys and girls, always had the right gear to play and train in.
However, whilst the rest of us were buying and wrapping presents ready for Christmas, the families life was turned upside down. On the 13th Dec 2019 Luke fell ill with Meningococcal Meningitis.
Meningococcal Meningitis is a bacterial disease which if not treated early is a killer. Luke was rushed to hospital and with the fantastic work of our nurses, doctors and specialist care teams Luke was transferred to Sheffield Children’s Hospital Luke’s and his young life was saved, however the disease has taken its toll on his little body.
In the first months of this year Luke endured many hours of surgery to remove both hands, left at mid forearm and right just below the elbow, he has also lost both legs below the knee. He has proven he is a fighter, however his life and the life of his mum, dad and his 10 year old big brother will never be the same.
Although now home Luke still requires specialist equipment, adaptations and ongoig support. Luke and his family still face many challenges, and this along with many locally hosted fundraising events, is a way to help Luke and his family.