A mother whose four-year-old was denied funding by the NHS to help him battle a rare stomach disorder has been forced to turn to expensive private treatment to save her son's life.

Patrick Askham, from Leeds, was born prematurely with Gastroschisis, which means that part of his intestine was outside of his body.

The complications from the disorder mean that the youngster has been in and out of hospital since the day he was born and is fed through a tube. He now needs a bowel, liver and possibly a stomach transplant too.

His mother Michelle Askham, 33, has opened up to FEMAIL about the struggles the family has faced.

'Knowing one day you will bury your child before you is every single parent's worst nightmare. For us we live this reality,' she said.

She described Patrick's illness as a 'rollercoaster' journey and added that 'even though he's been used as a pin cushion, he still manages the most beautiful cheesy smile'.

'Our most frightening moments are knowing every day can be our last with him,' Michelle explained, adding: 'But we know we will have done every single thing we can to possibly make his life the best!'

More details; [url]https://www.paxexlive.com/thread/mother-whose-son-4-was-born-with-his-intestine-outside-his-body-and-is-battling-a-rare-stomach-disorder-is-raising-20k-for-private-treatment-after-he-was-denied-help-by-the-nhs

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