A seriously ill toddler, who is in a race against time for a life-saving double transplant, received an early Christmas surprise from Santa. Zachary Bradford, hailing from Kirkintilloch near Glasgow, is in a critical condition as he awaits a small bowel and liver transplant, with possibly just weeks to live.
Fundraising hero John O’Byrne arranged the special visit for three year old Zachary and two other children battling illness. Zachary’s mother, Jade, expressed how precious the visit was, allowing them to create cherished memories amidst the uncertainty of her son’s future and the upcoming festive season.
‘We spent Christmas in hospital with our desperately sick baby – what happened next was unimaginable’
She shared: “One of the reasons it was so special to get Santa to the house was because we may not get to Christmas if he’s really unwell. Even if we do we may not be able to spend it at home.”
“It gave us that Christmas feel at home which we may not get on Christmas day.
“He absolutely adored it. He and his brother were both in complete awe shouting ‘Santa’. It was so special and really intimate.”
Unfortunately, Zachary had been feeling unwell and was only out of hospital for a few hours for Santa’s visit, making the family even more grateful for the experience. After being relisted for a transplant earlier this year following a previous liver transplant in 2023 and five unsuccessful matches, Zachary faced further complications, reports the Daily Record.
Sepsis during his recovery severely damaged his new liver, which needs to come from another child.
Jade, also mother to Zachary’s younger brother Reuben, is constantly worried that another infection could be fatal for her son, especially after he recently contracted Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), leaving him in a grave state in ICU.
Explaining the move to hospice care, she detailed: “We got discharged a few days ago to the hospice for respite but have been back in hospital since.”
She also highlighted her son’s current medical priorities and tender hopes, stating: “Zachary is still very much active on the transplant list and we hope a match comes up for him but we’re very much aware that might not happen because of his size and the lack of donors.”
The uncertain future brings its own concerns, as she noted: “They gave us a prognosis of weeks or months because they’re scared that anytime he picks up a bug it could be the one that takes him.
“A Christmas party is very risky for Zachary now so that one on one Santa time also helped keep him safe and away from winter bugs.”
Recounting a previous holiday experience, she fondly remembered: “We’d been to John’s party the year before and met Santa but to have him come to the house was really personal and all my friends’ kids said ‘Zachary had Santa to his house, that’s so special.'”
During a heartwarming visit, Santa and his elf also made a special entry at the homes of Zachary and two other children with serious health issues, David Goring, six, and eight year old Ollie Gibson. David has faced significant challenges from the start; he and his twin sister arrived prematurely in September 2018 at just 24 weeks.
A birth-related brain injury left him with profound disabilities, including quadriplegic cerebral palsy. His modes of communication are unique, as described by his mum.
His mum Heather, dad Colin, twin Grace and big brother Nathan communicate with him by using on body signing.
Heather said: “As a family, we want to build memories and seek moments of joy.”
Moved by the kindness shown towards families going through tough times, she praised: “John’s kindness and desire to bring joy and magical moments to families like mine is truly a wonderful thing.”
Ollie, a youngster from Airdrie, has endured an extensive hospital stay of five years following his birth with a significantly rare mutated gene and numerous health challenges including epilepsy.
Ollie’s father, John, who joined Santa’s welcoming party alongside mum Sharon and siblings Ellie and Riley, shared: “We haven’t seen Ollie smile like that in a long time. The light in his eyes was absolutely amazing to see.”
He added, “He is nonverbal but you could tell he was laughing away.”
Looking forward to the festivities, he expressed: “This is our second Christmas at home with Ollie and our first in our new disabled access house, so it’s going to be really special.”
He also said, “I just think it’s amazing what John does for others.”
John O’Byrne, who himself spent a great deal of his childhood in hospital battling brittle bones, has become a charity champion dedicated to creating memorable experiences for ill children. The 45 year old had a mishap in his wheelchair earlier this year, leading to a spine fracture at its base, causing significant pain.
Despite being heartbroken that he couldn’t host his annual Christmas celebration, he made sure Santa delivered presents to three deserving youngsters, saying: “When Santa turned up to surprise the kids there was a big sparkle in their eyes. He spent a good bit of time with each family in a six-hour round trip and took each child a special gift.”
Reflecting on the joy brought by the festive surprise, he remarked, “It was fantastic to see after such a difficult year.”
