A father is preparing to donate a kidney to save his one-year-old who was diagnosed with a rare life-threatening disorder.
Connor Cross is waiting for the transplant, which will help his son, Reggie, who has Denys-Drash syndrome.
The rare genetic disorder affects the kidneys and can lead to early-onset kidney failure, high cancer risk and affects the development of reproductive organs.
Reggie has a rare condition called Denys-Drash syndrome (Image: Submitted)
The little tot was just five months old when he was diagnosed.
Mr Cross is not only donating a kidney to save his son but has also been fundraising for Guy's and St Thomas' charity, which is supporting him in the lead-up to the operation, and Kidney Care UK.
The dad has already raised more than £6,000 after undergoing a series of challenges, including running the London Marathon.
And now his friends are also helping him to raise as much money as possible for the charities.
Guy Gillingwater, the owner of Norwich-based Surplush - which supplies the packaging for Mr Cross’ business, Two Beans Down Coffee Co - has raised £1,300 by walking 70miles from Norwich to Ipswich in just three days.
Guy Gillingwater (Image: Submitted)
Mr Gillingwater said: “Connor is more of a friend than a customer.
“I’ve got to know him a lot more over the last three months.
“It’s a special relationship.
“I feel really proud, fundraising for Reggie felt like the right thing to do.
Connor Cross and Guy Gillingwater (Image: Submitted)
“It was tough carrying everything, towards the end my feet were covered in blisters.
"The route from Norwich to Ipswich was tangible.
"I started at OPs coffee shop in Bank Plain.
"They gave me a free coffee to start with which was great."
DENYS–DRASH SYNDROME
The condition, which mainly affects the kidneys and the development of the genital organs, strongly predisposes affected children to a type of kidney cancer called Wilms tumour.
Around 90pc of affected children diagnosed will develop Wilms tumour, often with multiple tumours in one or both kidneys.
The syndrome is caused by mutations in the WT1 gene on chromosome 11p13, which normally helps control kidney and genital development.
There is no cure for the underlying genetic WT1 mutation, so care is often lifelong.
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