An inspirational nine-year-old boy who has spent the last three months in hospital with intestinal failure wants to expand his charity to support children and families in a similar position.

William Milne, of Addiscombe, has had to go through more than most boys his age.

The Chipstead Valley Primary school pupil has cerebral palsy, Asperger Syndrome and was born with a bowel that failed to absorb any nutrition or fluids.

But after celebrating a special birthday in November last year to mark five years since he was given a bowel transplant William suffered a setback.

His new bowel stopped working and he was rushed to Birmingham Hospital in January where he has stayed with his mother Sarah up until a couple of weeks ago until he was moved to Westminster Hospital.

William has to be on a drip 14 hours a day to get all his nutrition and has two bags which are connected to a line inserted into the top of his heart.

One bag contains all the fats he needs and the other contains glucose and other minerals.

William is currently in intestinal failure and since January has had undergone four operations.

But remarkably the nine-year-old is refusing to be downbeat and now wants to help inspire children and parents who have been recently diagnosed with intestinal failure through his charity Williams Wishes.

The charity already grants wishes to children who are sick, for example days out, but William wants to extend the work of his charity with the help of his mum Sarah.

They are currently getting more trustees on board including world experts in intestinal failure and want to offer direct support to families by organising days out, parties, coffee mornings and writing information packs.

Your Local Guardian:

Sarah and William 

Mrs Milne said: "William is showing these parents and children that there is hope.

"We have both enjoyed answering questions and offering support to families and we have discovered there is a real lack of information for children with intestinal failure.

"This is why we want to help those in a similar position to us."

She added: "We really need people to help us and donate to the charity and we also hope people will be inspired by William’s story as he always looks for the positives in challenging situations. We want to offer help and support where it is needed most."

For more information go to williamswishes.com.


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