Sheffield teenager aims to repay the hospital that saved his life with medals at historic Games

A Sheffield dad says he is forever indebted to the staff at Sheffield Children’s Hospital whose life-saving care has enabled his son to “live the life of a happy boy”.

Freddie Fox underwent four courses of chemotherapy after being diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). Sadly, his leukaemia relapsed and he went on to receive a life-saving stem cell transplant at Sheffield Children’s at the age of 11.

His treatment was challenging at times, but Freddie went on to make a full recovery and is now preparing to give something back by representing the hospital at the Westfield Health British Transplant Games in Sheffield from August 6 to 9.

It’s the first time Sheffield Children’s has entered a team in the event’s 48-year history and comes as the hospital continues to celebrate its 150th anniversary.

“I feel so proud to be part of the very first Sheffield Children’s Hospital team to enter the Games,” Freddie said. “I can’t thank the hospital’s staff enough for the care I received, but hope to repay them in some part with one or two medals.

“It’s extra special that this year’s Games are taking place in my home city and are also set to be the largest in the event’s history.”

Freddie, 15, has won silver and bronze medals at previous Games, when he represented the Leeds Transplant Team, and has his sights set on further success this year in badminton, table tennis, ten-pin bowling and potentially the 400m too.

That Freddie is even able to focus on competing at a major multi-sport event is thanks to the clinicians at Sheffield Children’s Hospital, to whom his dad Ryan will be forever grateful.

“It’s all because of the hospital that Freddie is now able to live like a happy boy,” Ryan said.

“Just to see him enjoying himself and doing what a child should be doing, rather than go through all the pain that he went through before – it’s unreal.

“The hospital has helped so many families like ours over the years so it’s great that it can get some recognition, especially in what is its anniversary year.

“I know Freddie is really looking forward to representing his home city and the hospital that saved him so he can give something back. We’re all so proud of him.”

Dr Dan Yeomanson, a Consultant Oncologist at Sheffield Children’s NHS Foundation Trust, said: “It is an enormous source of pride for all of us at Sheffield Children’s to see our young

patients come together to make history as the first-ever Sheffield Children’s team to compete in the Westfield Health British Transplant Games.

“In our 150th anniversary year it feels especially fitting to celebrate the healthier futures these young people are building, right on our doorstep in Sheffield.

“They have each faced extraordinary challenges and adversity, yet are now coming together to compete, make friends and celebrate life. We cannot wait to cheer them on.”

More than 2,850 people, made up of transplant recipients, living donors and donor families, are due to participate in 26 sports at the Games, which showcase the healthy and fulfilling lives transplant recipients can lead whilst also celebrating donors across the UK who have given the gift of life.

The event also aims to encourage more people to have conversations about organ and stem cell donation at a time when the number of people on the UK transplant waiting list has never been higher. According to NHS Blood and Transplant, more than 8,000 people, including around 150 people from South Yorkshire*, are currently waiting for a life-saving or life-changing transplant.

For more information about the Westfield Health British Transplant Games, visit www.transplantactive.co.uk

* https://www.nhsbt.nhs.uk/how-you-can-help/get-involved/share-statistics/