Orford youngster on waiting list for kidney transplant

Sophia Smith was born with only one kidney, but you would never know if her cheeky and positive nature is anything to go by.

The four-year-old was taken to Alder Hey Children’s Hospital last week after feeling unwell, with her parents Hayley and Carl thinking that she was suffering from a water infection.

But they soon discovered from doctors that their daughter was in fact battling sepsis for a third time.

In addition to this, the family have been informed that her sole kidney is not functioning in the way that it should be, and Sophia will need a transplant.

You would forgive anyone for feeling downbeat about this news, and while her family are understandably devastated by the diagnosis, Sophia remains determined as ever to remain positive.

“We never knew Sophia had one kidney until she had her first nine-hour operation while only 12-hours old,” said her mum, Hayley.

“That operation was to repair her oesophagus, and she has been in and out of Alder Hey all her life.

“In total, she has been through more than 10 operations and has had sepsis three times, so she is a real fighter.

“She always bounces right back though and she is so cheeky and loving. Her spirits are always high.”

Sophia is now receiving dialysis treatment at Alder Hey until a suitable match can be found for her to undergo a kidney transplant.

And Hayley was keen to praise the brilliant doctors and nurses who are looking after her daughter while in hospital.

“The staff at Alder Hey have been amazing,” she continued.

“Having sepsis three times has took its toll on Sophia’s single kidney, which has led to her having a dialysis line fitted.

“We are unsure what will happen next, but she has been placed on the transplant list as the kidney she has will not last her lifetime.”

While the wait for a transplant goes on, Sophia’s grand-aunt Joanne has set up a Go Fund Me page to help the family financially during what is a difficult time.

She said: “For those who know Sophia, you will know she is a beautiful character with a crazy personality.

“Hayley, Carl, her big sister Chloe and all the family are absolutely devastated. The poor girl has been through so much.

“I am raising money to help Hayley and Carl as they now face a loss of wages and a load of expenses, and with Christmas around the corner, the last thing they need to worry about is money at this sad time.

“Hopefully we hit our target and we can get Sophia something amazing when she is all recovered and back to her cheeky self.”

The appeal has received fantastic support, reaching its initial target of £2,000 in less than a week, and this is something which is fully appreciated by the whole family.

Hayley commented: “We are so overwhelmed that Joanne set up the Go Fund Me page.

“The love and support everyone is showing us is amazing, and we cannot thank everyone enough.

“I literally cry after reading every message on there.”

If you would like to donate, visit uk.gf.me/v/c/gfm/sophia-smith