A YOUNG East Yorkshire boy who underwent a life-saving liver transplant when he was just eight months old is to compete in the Transplant Games.
Seven-year-old Joseph Walton is looking forward to the experience of a lifetime when he competes in the running, obstacle and badminton events at the games held in Bolton from August 7.
Joseph was diagnosed with the rare genetic condition Kabuki syndrome, which affects one in 32,000 babies.
The condition led to him needing a liver transplant when he was eight months old.
Joseph's adoptive mother, Diane, said: "When he was born, Joseph had a lot of trouble with his liver and various other problems.
"It was literally by chance that his doctor had been reading about Kabuki syndrome and recognised some of the symptoms Joseph was showing.
"She really stuck her neck out and said she thought Joseph had Kabuki syndrome, and following various tests, it was confirmed."
Joseph had his life-saving liver transplant and responded well to his treatment.
He was adopted by Diane and her husband Neil when he was three years old.
However, just two months later, the couple, of Aldbrough, faced the prospect of losing Joseph, when his body started to reject his liver.
Diane said: "It was an absolutely terrible time for us all.
"We had only just got him and then we were faced with the prospect of losing him.
"He was in and out of hospital for about a year, until doctors managed to get his liver functioning properly."
Although Kabuki syndrome means Joseph has some development delay, he leads a relatively normal life.
"He is so full of beans – it is fantastic," Diane said.
"This is the first year he has been well enough to go to the Transplant Games.
"Any transplant patient is more susceptible to infections and in previous years Joseph hasn't been well, so now he is even more excited."
Joseph's dream of taking part in the games has been made possible thanks to the charity Leeds Little Livers, which raises money for children who have undergone life-saving operations, to take part in sporting events.
Diane said: "The games are self-funded, so as a team we are constantly organising events to raise money
"It takes about £60,000 per year to fund the Little Livers Team, so every penny and bit of publicity we can get is greatly appreciated."
As well as raising money by hosting various coffee mornings and charity football matches, the Aldbrough Carnival will return this month after a 17-year absence to raise money for Leeds Little Livers.
The carnival will take place on Monday, August 25, and will feature a host of attractions.
Diane said: "It will be a fantastic day and a great opportunity to say thank you to everyone who helped send Joseph to the games."
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