He’s just 16 months old but Rhoman-Gray’s family say he’s already a warrior. The little boy has faced unimaginable hardship after losing three of his limbs to meningococcal septicaemia earlier this year.
The Nuneaton youngster has had 14 operations and is now recovering at home. But a long road and many difficulties lie ahead for him and his family.
Grandma Ellen Doherty, who lives in Coventry, said her grandson is an ‘incredible little boy’ who has amazed everyone with what he has overcome.
She and her family are now fundraising to help pay for Rhoman-Gray’s costs in the future. While many things will be covered by the NHS, they hope to be able to go over and above what public funding can provide.
This includes high-tech prosthetic limbs as the ones provided by the NHS are rigid, Ellen said. Rhoman-Gray has lost both his legs above the knee and one of his arms above the elbow so this would make a real difference to him.
The family was devastated when Rhoman-Gray was struck down by the illness earlier this year. He was rushed to University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire (UHCW) where doctors warned his parents he may not survive.
Surgeons were forced to amputate three limbs. And against all the odds, Rhoman-Gray began to rally.
Last week an update was posted on the fundraising page that Rhoman-Gray had come home. He needs to go back to Birmingham Children’s Hospital for appointments but his family says he is pleased to be home surrounded by his toys.
Two big fundraising events are now coming up in September to help Rhoman-Gray as he and his family navigate his future. Ellen said she wanted to reassure people that all donations to the GoFundMe page go to a trust that is overseen by a solicitor and trustees to ensure everything goes to help Rhoman-Gray.
To donate, see the website here or read on for details of the fundraising events.
Ellen added that anyone who wishes to provide a stall at the events, such as entertainment or crafts, is welcome to get in touch.
September 3
Rhoman-Gray’s family fun day at Krazy Krocs, Liberty Way, Attleborough Fields Industrial Estate, Nuneaton. This runs from 12pm to 5pm and includes fun fair rides, comedy, singers, raffles, stalls and more. Tickets cost £2 and entry is free for children under 5. Visit the event page here for more information.
September 10
A family fun day is being held at Coventry and North Warwickshire cricket club in Binley Road from 12pm to 4pm. Then from 5.30pm to 8.30pm there is an evening meal and entertainment. Tickets cost £20 or, for day tickets only, £2 for adults and £1 for children. Under 5s go free. For more information, see Rhoman-Gray’s Facebook page.
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