‘SUPERHERO’ PATRYK, 7, GIVES ‘GIFT OF LIFE’ TO 3 OTHER CHILDREN
Parents decide to donate organs of rugby-playing son
SEVEN-YEAR-OLD Patryk Milner, who died after falling ill at school, has saved the lives of three other children after the decision was taken to donate his organs.
Patryk became unwell at school on October 1.
The rugby-loving youngster, from Sandbach, was airlifted to Leighton Hospital in Crewe before being transferred to Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, in Liverpool, where he died.
Patryk’s parents – Andy and Aggie – whose catering business is based at Sandbach Rugby Club, donated their son’s organs to give other children the gift of life.
Andy confirmed via England Rugby that three children had benefited.
He said: “Patryk will always be our superhero, his organs have already given three children the gift of life.
“The grief will always be with us, it’s like an ocean at the moment. We are in a storm in the Atlantic whereas my mum and dad are in the Mediterranean; always there but the waves not so big.”
A well-known figure in the Sandbach community and a popular member of Sandbach Rugby Club’s under-8s side, Patryk’s death sent shockwaves through the local community and the rugby world, with many sharing tributes to the Offley Primary Academy pupil.
He was described as a ‘sporty, beautiful and healthy boy’ who not only loved rugby but also rollerblading, golf, karate and swimming, and who had been set to start playing football with Sandbach United’s junior set up.
Rob Mayor, former chairman of Sandbach RUFC and close friend of the Milner family, said: “Patryk always had a smile on his face
– a cheeky little lad who knew everyone’s name and everyone knew his.
“He was a livewire. His favourite drink was Vimto, which he somehow made you buy from him and then proceeded to drink it himself. Not too much later, he would be seen playing the same trick on someone else.
“Saturday and Sunday were Patryk’s favourite days down the club, and he would frequently ride his scooter around the clubhouse and ask the senior players to play with him.
“His favourite team was Sale Sharks and he loved interacting with ex-sandbach RUFC player Will Cliff, who visited the club regularly. He will be dearly missed by all.”