Tragic end for brave Scottish toddler after urgent organ donor appeal by mum

Zachary Bradford passed away on Thursday (Image: UGC)

A courageous toddler tragically lost his life in hospital after battling health complications since birth. Zachary Bradford passed away on Thursday, just a day after his mother Jade made an emotional appeal to Scots to consider organ donation as their New Year resolution.

Born prematurely at 28 weeks and weighing a mere 2lbs 13oz on October 4, 2021, Zach was diagnosed with gastroschisis, a rare condition where the baby's bowel develops outside its body. Unfortunately, his bowel was beyond repair and surgeons had to remove most of it.

The young fighter spent three months in the Neonatal Unit at the Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow, undergoing major operations including a stoma fitting, a PEG procedure for a feeding tube, PDA Ligation heart surgery, and a step procedure to lengthen his bowel. However, by early 2022, his parents Jade, 23, and Rhys, 29, were given the devastating news that their son was suffering from liver and intestinal failure due to long-term IV feeds.

He was subsequently placed on the double transplant list for a small bowel and liver transplant following assessments at King's College Hospital in London. Despite receiving a new liver in 2023, Zachary contracted sepsis during his recovery, severely damaging the donor organ.

His family were informed in September last year that he might only have weeks to live. They prepared for the worst but clung onto hope that new organ donors could be found, reports the Daily Record.

Zachary and his mum (Image: UGC)

Initially, it was stated that Zachary required organs from a small child, but as his health deteriorated, specialists decided they would accept larger organs.

The family marked a poignant celebration for Zachary's third birthday on October 4, and in a heartfelt gesture, his parents moved their wedding date to October 10 to ensure their beloved son could be part of their special day. Despite the challenges, Zachary continued to fight for his life, and his mother, Jade, shared with the Record on Wednesday her sole focus for the new year was her son's survival.

The devoted mum-of-two expressed: "A lot of people will make plans for the New Year, but our only priority is keeping our son alive."

She highlighted the stark contrast between typical New Year resolutions and their reality, saying: "When folk decide to go take up a new gym membership, or start a new diet or cut out alcohol, Zachary will be fighting in hospital and desperate for that call to come in."

Jade urged others to consider organ donation as a significant life change. Tragically, on Friday, Jade announced the heartbreaking news of Zachary's passing.

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Mourning their loss, she said: "Zachary Logan Bradford, in our hearts forever. After an intense three days in PICU, fighting till the very last moment, our boy left this world peacefully in our arms."

Overcome with grief, she added: "I'm struggling to comprehend or find the words for you my baby boy. I am beyond broken, my everything has been taken away and the pain that is left feels insufferable."

She highlighted the stark contrast between typical New Year resolutions and their reality, saying: "When folk decide to go take up a new gym membership, or start a new diet or cut out alcohol, Zachary will be fighting in hospital and desperate for that call to come in."

Jade urged others to consider organ donation as a significant life change. Tragically, on Friday, Jade announced the heartbreaking news of Zachary's passing.

Zachary and his family (Image: Supplied)