In a heart-warming display of resilience and triumph, six-year-old Veer from Harrow made a remarkable debut at this year’s British Transplant Games, held from July 27th to 30th.
The young champion participated alongside his family, showcasing his newfound strength and spirit after a life-changing stem cell transplant.
Veer’s journey began in January 2020, when Harrow Online first shared his story. At the tender age of three, Veer was diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder called Fanconi Anaemia. This condition led to a significant decrease in the production of blood cells, casting a shadow of uncertainty over his young life.
His family, in collaboration with blood cancer charity Anthony Nolan, launched a heartfelt appeal to rally people of Asian descent to register as potential stem cell donors, aiming to diversify the donor pool and increase Veer’s chances of finding a suitable match.
The determination and perseverance of Veer’s family paid off in January 2021 when the long-awaited news arrived – a matching stem cell donor had been found. The life-saving transplant became a reality, granting Veer a second chance at a healthy life.
Fast forward to 2023, and Veer’s story continues to inspire. This year’s British Transplant Games marked a significant milestone as he stepped onto the field for the first time since his life-saving transplant.
Supported by his devoted family, including his sister and parents, Veer’s radiant smile and unwavering enthusiasm lit up the event.
During the games, Veer and his family participated in a variety of sports, showcasing his renewed energy and zest for life. The young athlete’s dedication and determination shone through as he not only participated but also clinched medals in basketball, the ball throw, and netball.
The British Transplant Games are an annual event that brings together transplant patients and their families from across the nation. Team Anthony Nolan, a group dedicated to promoting awareness about stem cell and bone marrow transplants, provides a supportive platform for individuals who have undergone life-changing procedures to connect and share their stories.
Nirav Gudhka, Veer’s father, expressed his immense pride, saying, “Veer is doing amazingly well since he was signed off by his transplant consultant over a year ago now. He is back to school all year and loving every second of it. During the Transplant Games, he took part in a range of sports and picked up a few medals along the way for taking part, which made him very happy.
“We were all so proud of how much he was able to do so soon after his transplant. Looking forward to many more games in the future.”
