Owen’s Story
Meet 12-year-old Owen!
Owen is diagnosed with 22q deletion syndrome (also known as DiGeorge Syndrome) which limits his life expectancy. 22q deletion is caused by the deletion of a small segment of chromosome 22 and can cause a range of problems, including heart defects and learning difficulties.
Owen’s main health problem is his heart. He has Pulmonary Atresia, VSD and MAPCAS. This defect is a form of Tetralogy of Fallot in which there is complete obstruction of the Pulmonary Artery, resulting in total diversion of blood from the right ventricle into the aorta.
Over the years Owen has had 4 open heart surgeries but very sadly none of the operations have worked. Heartbreakingly doctors have advised that Owen has a life expectancy of late teens/early 20s.
Owen is an avid Liverpool fan so his dad Graham, having heard about the Barrie Wells Trust from another parent, nominated him via our website.
Owen’s VIP Experience
Owen and his dad Graham have been invited to Barrie’s executive box at Anfield on two occasions to watch Liverpool’s Premier League fixtures against Manchester United and Bournemouth.
Along with our other Box4Kids guests, they enjoyed a three-course meal in first-class luxury and watched the match in style from the box’s private balcony, situated on the halfway line. Both fixtures saw great goal action and Liverpool taking the win, helping to make the experience even more magical for Owen.
‘Owen has been lucky enough to spend two wonderful afternoons in Barrie’s executive box at Anfield to watch Owen’s favourite team, Liverpool!!’ said dad Graham. ‘As a family we have been through so much with him and he’s been through so much more than any child at the age of 12 should go through. Spending the day in Barrie’s box has been an amazing experience for him and he has loved every second of it. When we have met Barrie and his lovely wife Heather, it has been some of the best days we’ve ever had! We cannot thank you all enough for giving us such an amazing experience!’
Not only does Barrie fund the Barrie Wells Trust and the Box4Kids initiative, he also donated his own executive box at Anfield for every home game. We are also hugely grateful for the years of support that LFC has shown Box4Kids, helping to make the children’s day as memorable as possible with special extras.
Owen’s dad Graham finished by saying ‘life is tough for us knowing Owen won’t be here and it breaks our hearts to know we will lose him! But seeing him so happy at one of Barrie’s events is such a special and meaningful day!! Thank you so much for everything you have done for us.’
If you are a box donator and have any events where your box is not being used, then please do get in touch so that we can continue to make such special days for deserving children like Owen.
