The parents of an 11-week-old boy who is in need of a heart transplant are calling on families to consider organ donation.
William Jones was born in May this year and is the first child of Hemel Hempstead residents Laura Osbourne and Stuart Jones.
Shortly after birth, he was diagnosed with a rare condition called dilated cardiomyopathy, which means that his heart muscle is thin and cannot pump blood around his body efficiently. He is currently on life support at Great Ormond Street Hospital and is the youngest child in the UK on the waiting list for a heart transplant.
Laura and Stuart are living in hospital accommodation to be closer to their son.
Laura said: “We really miss him. We had a few weeks at home and he was an absolute delight. He’s funny and has these little frowns and facial expressions – he is cheeky. We want him back home.
“We could be waiting a year, two, or longer. He may not make it to transplant but we’re keeping going – he needs a transplant. Hearts in William’s size don’t come about all that often.
“William has got a lot stacked against him. I don’t know if my baby is going to survive this or not. We still get smiles and he is playful when he is awake. He is showing us he wants to survive.
“We hope people will see his story and think about organ donation. I want to raise awareness for William and all the children and patients waiting. No matter what the outcome is for William, it’s really important to spread the word and for people to think about organ donation now.”
For further information about organ donation, please visit www.organdonation.nhs.uk
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