Heartbeat: Triathlon triumph for 10 year old Stan

September 20, 2018

A 10-year-old patient has raised nearly £1,500 for Your Trust Charity – after taking on a gruelling triathlon. The youngster waded through a freezing lake, completed 1km run and a 2km bike ride – despite suffering from the crippling illness Henoch-Schonlein purpura (HSP).

Stan Green decided to take part in the event to raise funds for the paediatrics department, as a way of saying thank you for the care he has received over the years.

He said: “When I was diagnosed with HSP, I never thought two years later I would be in a fit state to complete a triathlon. I even had to learn to ride a bike.

“But here I am today, having finished the challenge in 21 minutes. I’m really pleased to be able to do this and raise money for such a worthy cause.”

Stan’s problems began when he began suffering with cold-like symptoms. But this soon escalated and his mum Tegan rushed him to Sandwell Hospital when he complained of severe pain and developed a rash.

She told Heartbeat: “I was worried sick that Stan had meningitis especially when I spotted the rash. But it was the doctors here at Sandwell Hospital who were quick to realise that he actually had HSP. The early diagnosis meant that he was given immediate treatment, which helped his recovery immensely.”

Stan added: “The pain felt as though someone was twisting a knife into my stomach – it was horrendous. I do still suffer with pain; however it comes and goes in episodes.”

Added to Stan’s intermittent pain, is the fact that bumps and grazes have a long lasting effect on his body and he also experiences swelling of his joints.

Tegan explained: “Stan is always covered in bruises – even the slightest touch will leave him black and blue. However, the treatment and care Stan is receiving from the doctors and nurses is amazing and has certainly made a difference to the severity of his condition. I  know of another child from another area who has HSP, and her recovery has not been great as there was a delay in diagnosis.”

As well as suffering from HSP, Stan also has chronic asthma and a heart murmur.

Amanda Winwood, Fundraising Manager for Your Trust Charity, said: “Stan is an amazing individual who is not only brave, but also one of the most generous fundraisers I have come across.
“He managed to put aside his illnesses to take on this very difficult challenge.  Not only did he complete it in an impressive time, but he also raised a tremendous amount of money for Your Trust Charity, which will go straight into the paediatric pot.”

The money will be used to buy more game consoles for older children who are treated at the hospital.