Nathaniel’s Story:
Meet 10-year-old Nathaniel!
Nathaniel enjoys playing football, computer games, board games and riding his bike.
Nathaniel was born with a critical congenital heart defect called Aortic Arch Hypoplasia Coarctation. This occurs when the Aorta is narrower than usual and if not diagnosed can cause serious problems. He had to have open heart surgery when he was less than a week old and has gone on to have three further open-heart surgeries to replace his heart valve. He will still need more surgery in the future.
Nathaniel and his family were first introduced to The Trust and our Box4Kids initiative when he was nominated by a member of staff at Evelina Children’s Hospital in London. At the time Nathaniel was finding it hard to cope with his heart condition and the member of staff though having an exciting activity to look forward to would really help him.
Nathaniel’s VIP Experience:
On 26th December 2018, Nathaniel, his mum Priscilla, dad Dan and sister Daisy were invited to the prestigious Wembley Stadium to watch Tottenham Hotspur vs Bournemouth in the comfort and luxury of one of Wembley’s best executive boxes. Due to the event being around Christmas and the executive box being so large, The Trust felt it appropriate to extend the invitation to Nathaniel and his family.
Thanks to the Premier League who kindly donated their box with exquisite catering, Nathaniel and his family along with a group of other Box4Kids guests were able to watch first class football in VIP style from the box’s huge private balcony which boasted fantastic views of the action!
‘I loved going to Wembley Stadium, as it is the first and only time that I have been there’ said Nathaniel. ‘It was great to see my England heroes Harry Kane and Deli Ali play. It was even more special because Tottenham won! The food we had during the day was so delicious and it was so nice to meet other children that have also had a difficult start to life. It was great to feel very treated and special for the day in the executive box’.
It is due to exceptionally kind donations like that of the Premier League, that the Barrie Wells Trust can invite seriously ill and disabled children to Box4Kids events across the UK. If you are a box holder or know someone who is and would like to be part of our Box4Kids initiative then please do get in touch.
