Billy was born on the 6th October 2017, there was a number
of concerns regarding his health from birth. Over the coming weeks there was a
number of tests undertaken and Billy was diagnosed with Biliary Atresia at 18
days old, this is a rare form of liver failure. When Billy was 5 months old it
was agreed by medical professional that Billy needed a liver transplant. After
6 long months Billy received his life saving liver transplant from a donor. After
transplant Billy continued to be unwell and in February 2020, he underwent
reconstruction surgery of the liver bile ducts. This operation was successful
and we returned home to enjoy the dreaded Covid 19 lockdown. Unfortunately, we
didn’t stay home for long. In early May 2020 Billy was ambulanced in to
hospital with face and neck swelling, over the next 4 days Billy’s airway
decreased to dangerous levels. So, it was agreed that Billy would be put on a
ventilator to secure his airway while the medics worked on diagnosing him. Over
the coming days it became clear that Billy had PTLD stage 3 cancer that needed
to be treated with chemotherapy. In August 2020 Billy had beaten cancer and was
on his way to recovery with the help from the therapy teams. In February 2021
Billy gained enough strength to start walking, this new gained freedom and home life
has allowed him to start enjoying the simple things in life like going to
pre-school, playing with other children and participating in activities along
side his peers.

After a tricky first 3 years with his health, Billy has
finally turned a corner enough to compete in the Transplant Game as part of the
Kings College Hospital Team. Billy will be competing in 5 events from the
obstacle race, throwing events and the cup stack in the under 5 age group. This
is a big privilege for Billy and us as a family for many reasons. This is a
time that we can celebrate the success of his liver, honour his donor and their
family and for Billy to take part in events with other transplanted children
and adults. Even that many people have a normal life after transplant there are
still physical and mental reminders of there experiences of being unwell. From
physical scars on their body, regular bloods, daily medications, hospital
admissions, appointments and mental triggers. That’s why the Games are so
important to many due to it being more than just a sport event. It’s also about
meeting people similar to themselves, making new friendships and building
confidence which will last longer than just the Games. It creates a knowingness
that they are not alone and they are not so different or isolated in their own
experiences.

Over the latter years of the Games, it has become more
inclusive for many due to it being subsidized by the child’s centre of excellence,
ours being Kings College Hospital Charity TLC. This allows more children to
experience this great event without the worry of the financial complications.

Thank you for reading and any kind donations.

We are fundraising for the British Transplant Games Fund D2338

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