Gutsy lad’s battled the odds to net his dream
HE was born weighing less than a bag of rice.
He went under the knife for a liver transplant when he just seven years old.
Now inspirational teenager Joseph Hunsley has battled through illness infection and countless hospital visits to play tennis for his country.
Joseph, now 13, came into the world nine weeks early weighing just 1lb 12oz and has battled cirrhosis of the liver and renal dysplasia.
In 2011 he received the gift of a muchneeded liver transplant and seemed to be doing well.
But two years later Joseph picked up an infection which led to an extended period of rejection of his transplanted liver and long stays in hospital for treatment.
Despite spending much of his young life in and out of hospital, the keen tennis fan, from High Heaton, Newcastle, has stayed positive and plays whenever he can. In 2015 he got to meet his sporting idol Rafael Nadal, thanks to the Rays of Sunshine Children’s Charity.
Now the charity, Smile for Life, have helped fund his entrance to the World Transplant Games in Malaga next week after being contacted by Joseph’s mum, Lynn. Lynn, 51, said: “I am so excited for Joseph. It means so much to him that he is going to be able to compete in such a prestigious tournament. He has worked so hard — I am sure his determination, spirit and love of the game will see him through.
“It is amazing to see how far he’s come. To think of everything he has been through and then to see him out on court doing what he does makes me very proud.”
The games, which last from June 26 until July 1, come almost six years to the day since Joseph underwent his life-saving liver transplant surgery.
Joseph, who goes to St Mary’s RC Comprehensive in Benton, North Tyneside, said: “I feel like I can do anything when I am on the tennis court. I feel like nothing can stop me. Playing tennis is the thing I enjoy doing most.
“I have been working really hard to make sure I am ready for the tournament. This week I have practiced pretty much every day.
“Jimmy [Nelson, Joseph’s coach] has helped me so much to prepare me for the Games. It will be a dream come true to go and do it. I can’t wait and I think I can come back with a gold.”
Jimmy, himself a former US Open Junior Doubles champion, added: “He is so gutsy and tries so hard whenever he has a racquet in his hand. What he has been through is just crazy, but when he steps out on court he is transformed.
“A few weeks ago he was unwell and it looked like he might not be able to travel, so I am so pleased he will be. The most important thing for him is to just enjoy the experience.” Joseph was born weighing less than a bag of rice Joseph Hunsley 13 pictured with his mam Lynn