Milo spreads cheer to kids
POORLY BOY BRINGS PRESENTS TO WARD
THE kind-hearted family of a sick North Shields boy helped spread some festive cheer by delivering more than 1,500 presents to poorly children.
Milo Browne and his family dropped off bundles of gifts to youngsters, who spent Christmas Day at the Royal Victoria Infirmary (RVI) in Newcastle.
They then donated a further 600 presents to children and young adults who are cared for by the St Oswald’s Hospice.
Five-year-old Milo has twice spent Christmas Day in hospital battling a condition that is so unique there is no actual diagnosis for it.
His mum, Laura Davidson, of North Tyneside, said she knows first-hand the heartbreak families face when they can’t spend the big day together.
“We know how difficult this time of year can be and it broke our hearts to see so many children in hospital and some alone on Christmas Day,” she added.
“Since then we decided to make sure that children in local hospitals and St Oswald’s have an extra gift to open on Christmas morning.”
While visiting the wards at the RVI, the family bumped into Newcastle United star Jonjo Shelvey.
Posing for pictures and signing autographs, the midfielder was also spreading some festive cheer to football-mad youngsters battling illnesses.
Milo’s dad, Stephen Browne, said: “Most of the children received three presents each.
“We have already had some really nice messages and the children and parents were crying saying thank you.
“The kids were left amazed at the presents.”
The family also donated gifts the St Oswald’s children and young adult service, which Milo has been visiting for short breaks since 2014.
The youngster suffers from a rare condition known only as M3BHA – which has only ever affected around eight other people in the world.
But his illness is even more complex and doctors have labelled it ‘Milo’s Condition’ because they have never seen anything like it before.
Milo needs 24/7 care from his parents and will never have the ability to crawl, stand or walk.
A St Oswald’s spokesman said: “A big thank you to Milo and his family for such a thoughtful and kind gesture.
“We are overwhelmed by your generosity.”