A brave Scots boy with a mystery terminal illness has celebrated the "best year of his life" after spending it at home for the first ever time.
Oscar Edgar, six, had spent all his life in the Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow with an undiagnosed respiratory condition which meant he could not breath unaided.
In December last year, we told how the youngster waved goodbye to the hospital he had called home since birth – leaving the ward to the cheers of his medical team.
Oscar's mum Megan, from Glasgow, is now looking back on the last 12 months, marvelling at all the 'firsts' her son has been able to do - like playing football, going camping and making new friends.
Megan said: "Oscar has had the best year ever. We have been camping, had a cabin holiday with a hot tub, he's met alpacas and had lots of other adventures.
"He's also started playing football in a wee team, which he loves. He's playing with a younger group of kids but that's fine and he's growing in confidence. Ronaldo is his favourite player and Rangers is his team.
"Oscar and his brother Theo were also ring boys at my friend's wedding in September - it was a really emotional day as we realised just how far he had come.
"Most importantly, he's made a best friend - Annie. They just love each other and have a very special bond. Annie can understand everything he says, even when I can't, which is amazing."
Mum-of-two Megan, 24, was only 17 when she had Oscar and her pregnancy went smoothly up until the labour, which needed an emergency C-section.
When the youngster was born he didn't move and appeared to be stillborn.
Oscar's journey to here has been a complex one and has involved clinical input from a number of different specialities.
He was born with a neurological, muscular and respiratory condition that has never been diagnosed but caused him to spend four years on a ventilator.
Still, over the last year, Oscar has had a number of trips to the Royal Hospital for Children - but for the majority of the time he's been home with his family.
Megan added: "Of course this last year would not have been possible without the incredible support we have had from the amazing hospital staff. Even now, we know we can rely on them.
"Oscar is still terminally ill and for the last six months has also developed problems with air in his stomach. He had to have one operation but even then he was in and out in a day, with great care from the staff.
"They have also made so many things possible. We were told we might never get Oscar home, but with their help we have had an amazing year at home with him. While there were some lows, there were so many more highs."
Oscar's doctor Phil Davies hailed the youngster's progress in 2021.
Dr Davies said: "It has been wonderful seeing Oscar at home with his family. He's had a few ups and downs over the year but has done so well off his ventilator and it is a joy to see him living life to the full."
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