Harrogate's Sam Devlin has launched a fundraising campaign to support his young cousin, William, who was born with a rare birth defect.
Harrogate man to fundraise in aid of young cousin with rare birth defect A Harrogate man has launched a fundraising campaign to support his young cousin, who was born with a rare birth defect. Sam Devlin will be running the London Marathon in April in support of 1-year-old William, who was born on New Year’s Day in 2023. At just 36 hours old, William was diagnosed with Oesophageal Atresia with Tracheoesophageal Fistula - commonly known as ‘TOF’ in the UK. This rare birth defect means that the upper part of the oesophagus doesn't connect with the lower oesophagus and stomach, leading to respiratory and digestion issues. William was transferred to a local children’s hospital and underwent corrective surgery before beginning on the road to recovery. Sam said:
“The trouble with 'TOF' is that although the survival rate is nearly 100% in the UK, it’s a relatively new condition with lifelong implications. “Some of those implications can be narrowing at the surgical site which requires stretches, acid reflux, and respiratory issues.”TOF sufferers also have a squeaky 'TOF cough' that can make people think they are sick when they're not. William has had one stretch so far and is slowly learning to eat solid food. With his cousin in mind, Sam is fundraising for Action Medical Research - a charity that focusses on funding research to prevent and treat disease and disability in babies and children. He said:
“I wanted to support Action Medical Research because I felt it would be the best thing I could do to make a difference and give the babies effected by post-partum complications a fighting chance. “We hope that as research progresses, there will be better treatments for TOFS young and old, more awareness, and prenatal diagnosis of this condition.”Speaking about taking on the London Marathon, Sam said he’s both nervous and excited despite not running that distance before. He said:
“I’m nervous about running the marathon, but it’s an excited nervous because I’ve not run further than half a marathon but I know mentally I can do it.”To support Sam’s fundraising campaign, find his JustGiving page here. Read more local stories from Your Harrogate here.
London Marathon: Harrogate MP smashes fundraising target and personal best
Harrogate and Knaresborough toy library receives council funding boost
Harrogate's Blacks store reopens following refurbishment
Gail's bakery confirms it will open in Harrogate later this year
Popular glamping festival returns to Knaresborough next weekend
Harrogate BID and Your Harrogate to deliver free social media training for businesses
Supporting Older People's summer ball returns to Harrogate
First look inside Ripon's new health and wellbeing hub
Harrogate MP: Small businesses 'simply cannot afford' shoplifting spate
New salon opens on Knaresborough's High Street
Horticap celebrates double win at Harrogate Flower Show
Harrogate headteacher shortlisted for national award
Harrogate woman wins full tank as part of Free Fuel Friday
Harrogate schoolchildren recognised for protecting wildlife
Planners recommend go-ahead for Harrogate padel courts
Harrogate district businesses shortlisted for annual Muddy Stilettos Awards
Body of man missing for five months found
Roads to close for St George's Parade in Harrogate
Artisan bakery chain tight-lipped on new Harrogate café
Harrogate sisters to run London Marathon for hospice that cared for their mum
