Seriously ill Harpenden 12-year-old treated to bowling with YouTube star
Oli with Ross. - Credit: Archant
A 12-year-old recovering from a kidney transplant was treated to a special bowling party with a YouTube video star.
Oli with Ross. - Credit: Archant
Harpenden’s Ross Sutherland met blogger Oli White at a bowling party organised by Rays of Sunshine - a charity dedicated to brightening the lives of children with serious or life-limiting illnesses.
When Ross was just a week old, his mum Elizabeth had to resuscitate him in their home, and 12 months later he was diagnosed with renal failure, which he has been battling ever since.
Throughout his life Ross has been forced to have regular hospital visits, scans, blood tests, and finally a kidney transplant at Great Ormond Street Hospital in February this year.
Although he was in hospital for eight weeks after the surgery, the transplant should offer relief from Ross’ symptoms and he will not need to go under the knife again for at least 30 years.
Oli with Ross. - Credit: Archant
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He now has three kidneys, a new one and his original two.
However, the Roundwood Park School student loves watching blogs and even has his own YouTube channel - under Burn Brawler - and was treated to the outing as a respite and distraction from his illness.
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Oli White, who is an ambassador for the charity, said: “It was great to be a part of something so positive and help Rays of Sunshine put a big smile on all the children’s faces, like Ross.
“That’s why I am delighted to be an ambassador for the charity and help them to continue to grant magical wishes for brave children.”
Left to right: Ross' sister Tara Sutherland, Ross, and Elizabeth Sutherland. - Credit: Archant
Ross quizzed Oli about vlogging, gaming, and pranking.
Oli’s video collection includes Trying Food My Brother Has Never Liked and Burglary Prank On My Parents.
Mum Elizabeth Sutherland said: “Thank you so much Rays of Sunshine for inviting Ross to meet with Oli.
“We had a lovely time and Ross really enjoyed himself. The outing really gave him a spark back that he’s been missing for a while – he can’t stop smiling!”
She said he was lucky to have had outstanding treatment in hospitals throughout his life and was thankful to his “amazing, close knit group of friends who are hugely supportive and kind”.
The party was held at All Star Bowling in Holborn on May 10.
Symptoms of kidney failure can include tiredness, swollen ankles, feet or hands, shortness of breath, and nausea.
For more information, visit www.raysofsunshine.org.uk
