Football fan’s surprise visit from Wolves star
Date of release: 18 July 2024
A football fan who received life changing medicines made from plasma while he was being treated at New Cross Hospital has been surprised by his favourite Wolves player Hugo Bueno.
Footballer Hugo Bueno with Oscar
After hearing about Oscar Eckersley’s story, Hugo made arrangements to meet the nine-year-old and played football in the park with him – a “fantastic” tonic for the youngster.
Oscar, from Tettenhall, was referred to The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust by his GP after his mother Joanne noticed unusual bruising on his legs.
He was then sent for blood tests and diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder called Immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP).
ITP is a rare condition where the immune system destroys platelets, which help the blood to clot and prevent bleeding and bruising after injury.
Shortly after being diagnosed, Oscar received intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), a medicine which is made from donated plasma and contains antibodies to stop white blood cells destroying the platelets.
IVIG kickstarted Oscar’s recovery and allowed his family to explore several further treatment options. Thanks to plasma donors, Oscar was able to receive treatment to ease his symptoms and is currently in remission.
Oscar and his family were visited by Hugo, and they took a football along to Tettenhall Green for a kickabout. Following the visit, Hugo invited Oscar and his family to come along to watch the team train.
Oscar said: “Since being diagnosed I was worried about carrying on playing football at school as I didn’t want to get bruised again.
“I still love playing football in the garden with my dad and going to support Wolves.
“Having the visit from Hugo has really boosted my confidence. It was a fantastic experience.”
Hugo said: “The club told me about Oscar’s story and the fact he’s lost his confidence to play football with his friends.
“It was so nice to be able to visit Oscar at his home, teach him some new football skills and see him smile and having fun.
“It feels so important that we try to bring back his love for the sport and help to make it a normal part of his life once again.
“I encourage others to donate plasma to help more children and adults like Oscar who need plasma treatments to live their lives.
“It only takes around an hour, and local Wolves fans can donate at Birmingham Plasma Donor Centre”.
Joanne and Ken Eckersley, Oscar’s mum and dad said: “Oscar is a shy boy, but has a real zest for life and loves being active.
“It has been a very hard time for Oscar but the team at The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust have been amazing.
“All the staff have been so lovely and caring – we couldn’t fault them. They have always kept us informed and Oscar has been kept comfortable during treatment.
“Since Hugo’s visit, Oscar’s confidence has grown, and has been asking us to return to playing football with his friends again.
“Thank you to everyone who donates plasma because it helps people like Oscar to continue doing what they love.”
To register as a plasma donor, go to Give Blood - Plasma
ENDS
- For further information, please email amy.downward@nhs.net
