Evelina London patient shines at annual Transplant Games

A nine-year old Evelina London kidney transplant patient travelled up to Sheffield to take part in the annual Transplant Games in Sheffield earlier this month.

Roman Russell was just 4 years old when he received a transplant after being born without full function in either of his kidneys.

Born premature at 30 weeks old, parents Ashleigh and Dale from Pulborough were initially relieved to see that he was a strong baby who could breathe without ventilation despite his early arrival.

However, aged 3 days old, doctors realised there was an issue after noticing he wasn’t urinating properly, showing signs of concerning swelling.

Doctors at Roman’s local hospital quickly realised something was seriously wrong and transferred him to Evelina London Children’s Hospital where he was placed in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) for 7 weeks.

Staff there discovered that the ureter on one of Roman’s kidneys was blocked, pushing urine back into his kidney, while the other hadn’t developed at all, and was the size of just half a pea.

Mum Ashleigh said: “It’s obviously scary having a baby at 30 weeks, but then finding out he was so unwell was terrifying but the staff at Evelina London were absolutely amazing. They made us all feel so welcome and took the best care of Roman we could have possibly asked for.”

Diagnosed with dysplastic kidney disease and stage 5 kidney failure, Roman was then moved to Beach Ward in Evelina London, which specialises in children with kidney and urological issues.

Eventually after over 3 months in the hospital, Roman was discharged but he was still too young for a transplant. Roman’s condition and symptoms were managed by the team at Evelina London until he was old enough for a transplant, requiring intensive management for the family having to come frequently to the hospital for check-ups and frequent testing.

Thankfully, Roman was approved for the transplant list at 3 years old and received his transplant 8 months later. Now 9 years old, Roman doesn’t let his transplant slow him down. He’s an avid sportsman, playing for his local football and cricket teams despite ongoing side effects of his condition including difficulty eating food and issues with his leg and hip.

Ashleigh said: “It was hard when none of us were a match, but such a relief when he got his transplant after just 8 months. He’s come so far since then and has become such a lovely and energetic boy. Despite everything he’s been through Roman never lets his condition hold him back and we’re all so proud of everything he’s achieved overcoming his physical challenges.”

At the Transplant Games, Roman took on his next challenge as part of the Evelina London team, the VIPs (Very Important Penguins, named after Penguin ward at the hospital.  

The team scooped an incredible 46 medals, including 15 golds, at this year's games and were once again awarded the coveted 'Best Kidney Kids' award.

The family were able to attend thanks to funding from the Evelina London Children’s Charity, which supports dozens of Evelina London transplant patients and their families with travel costs and accommodation to attend the games.

Ashleigh said: “It’s obviously a long way away from where we live, but thanks to the funding from the charity, Roman was able to go and take part in this amazing event with loads of other kids just like him.”

Caroline Booth, consultant children’s kidney specialist at Evelina London, said:

“After being born prematurely and with complex kidney issues, Roman’s condition was serious. That he’s now doing so well is a testament to his hard work, as well as that of his family and the dedicated team who took care of him during those challenging months and years.

“The funding provided by Evelina London Children’s Charity makes a huge difference in allowing us to support families to attend the Transplant Games. Encouraging physical activity among transplant patients is vital in ensuring long-term physical health and wellbeing.”