07/06/2025
Some of our regulars will already know our story, for those of you who don't, this is a bit about us.
Our youngest daughter was unexpectedly diagnosed with a rare recessive gene disorder which meant her kidneys were failing and there was no cure. Withing 12 months she was being worked up to recieve a kidney donor. Everything was happening so fast, we couldn't believe it. After all, she still looked so well! Luckily her dad, Martin was on hand to donate his and was worked up pretty quickly as her mum had failed the very last donor test. On 30th November 2023 Tillie recieved her new kidney from her dad, and named it Rosie! 🎉
Tillie had a rough first year, with so many complications. However, she was so keen to join the Newcastle Childrens Transplant Team 🏆and compete in her first ever Transplant Games, which were held in Nottingham. We were so.proud of her. She met her team mates for the first time when we arrived at the hotel the night before her first race. To say she was nervous was an understatement, but she smashed it! Winning so many medals over the 3 days including 2 bronze 🥉 and even a gold 🥇 in the 50m sprint - no mean feat, especially when we found out shortly after she had been competing with what turned out to be pneumonia!
This just goes to show the grit and determination our little girl has. That goes for all her team mates too. Each and every one of them has recieved either a bone marrow or kidney transplant and despite the hundreds of hospital appointments and medical interventions they keep smiling and digging deap.in all aspects of their lives. 💪🏻
The Transplant Games have introduced Tillie, her sister and ourselves to our little Newcastle Childrens Transplant family. It is heartwarming to see the children bonding with each other and swapping medical stories, realising they are not alone in this world of medication, hospital admissions never ending ups and downs. The parents are also there for each other, providing support and reassurance. As a family we have certainly leaned on the group for support during our first year. 💝
This year Tillie and her team members are going to Oxford to compete in this year's Transplant Games and as a family we are trying to raise funds for the team, making sure it is inclusive to all who are eligible.
For those of you who are stopping with us next weekend, you are invited to our fundraising event on Saturday. We will be holding a cake 🍰 sale with tombola 🎟, raffle 🎟, (we have some very generous companies in our area) as well as some refreshments ☕️ and other activities. It would be lovely to see you!
If you're not in the area but would still like to support us, we have a JustGiving page set up ready to recieve donations.
https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/marie-wood-2?utm_medium=FA&utm_source=CL
Thanks for taking the time to read! I know it's a long one 🙈
