Whatever delights Santa will deliver on Christmas morning, little Benjamin Rayner has already had the greatest gift of all – the gift of life.
The two-year-old was given no chance of survival when born desperately ill and needing a new heart.
But his family and doctors fought for him until a donor was found.
And as he celebrated his op’s one-year anniversary, his family released a heart-shaped balloon with a thank-you letter to his donor attached.
Mum Ashley Hardy, 33, said: “We know this balloon can’t reach Benjamin’s donor in heaven, it will have to come down eventually. But someone will find it and read the letter.
“They will learn about the incredible difference organ donation makes and hopefully share that. I still look at pictures of Benjamin in hospital. It reminds me what an incredible gift the donor family gave us.”
Benjamin had hypoplastic left heart syndrome, plus other issues.
We featured his case in February 2018 in our campaign for Max and Keira’s Law, the opt-out organ donation rule taking effect in England next year.
Benjamin’s op anniversary party in August with his mum, dad Davy Rayner, 38, and sisters Sharlene, 10, and Jessica, eight, raised cash for Freeman Hospital in Newcastle, which saved his life.
Support worker Ashley, from Peterborough, Cambs, only held Benjamin a few seconds after birth before he was whisked off for treatment.
When she held him next, five weeks later, he died in her arms and had to be resuscitated.
But he clung on for nine months until a new heart was found.
Ashley said: “The hardest thing is knowing another family had to lose their baby. I want them to know I’m looking after their baby’s heart.”
Yesterday, the Mirror told the story of Harry Lee , four, who needs a new heart but whose condition rules out 87% of donors.
Mum Claire, 39, said tonight: “We’ve been overwhelmed by all the messages of love and support after sharing Harry’s story.
“The death of any child is the most awful tragedy. We wouldn’t wish that on any parent. We just want to raise awareness about donation.
"In their darkest moment, they can give a family the greatest gift imaginable.”
- Visit organdonation.nhs.uk or call 0300 303 2094.
-
Charity Little Hearts Matter helps youngsters with half a heart like Harry, and their families. You can support its Christmas appeal here
