Dream comes true for young Blues fan

A young Birmingham City fan is set to have the experience of a lifetime when he helps to lead his beloved Blues players onto the pitch for their match against Rotherham on 6 October.

Kaiden Atkins, aged 4, is a huge Blues fan and is incredibly excited about the prospect of meeting his heroes, and is planning on taking his boots, shin pads and goalkeeping gloves along with him to St Andrews just in case they come in handy!

The young football fan got the opportunity to lead out the players for the game thanks to the partnership that Birmingham City FC has with Heartlands Hospital. Kaiden has been a regular visitor to Heartlands Hospital since he was born as he has cystic fibrosis, a genetic disorder affecting the lungs.

Kaiden regularly makes trips to his local hospital with his mum Kristie and his older brothers Tyler and Regan. Kaiden’s condition means that he has to spend time each day clearing thick mucus from his lungs, often requiring the help of a nebuliser to aid his breathing.

Kaiden’s mum, Kirstie, said: “I am so pleased that Kaiden has this opportunity to meet his heroes and lead them out onto the pitch for their game against Rotherham. He’s been through a lot recently with his treatment, so this is a fantastic reward for all of his bravery.

“As a family, we’re really looking forward to the day. His brothers Tyler and Regan are season ticket holders at St Andrews so they will be there to cheer on their little brother.”

Sian Averill, Fundraising Manager at Heartlands Hospital Charity, said: “On behalf of everyone at Heartlands Hospital, I would like to thank Birmingham City Football Club for giving Kaiden this amazing opportunity.

“The Charity is incredibly grateful for the support it has received from Birmingham City Football Club for the launch of the new children’s appeal, which is aiming to renovate the children’s areas across the hospital, helping to make it as child-friendly as possible for children like Kaiden who are regular visitors.

“For children with chronic conditions such as cystic fibrosis, much of their childhood will be spent in the hospital, and so we want to ensure that the space is as welcoming and friendly as possible, full of games and toys to keep children entertained before and during their treatment.

“I hope that Kaiden has a wonderful time at St Andrews, I’m sure it will be a special day for him and all of his family.”

You can find out more about Heartlands Hospital Charity’s Children’s Appeal by clicking here, where you can also donate to help the Charity to go ‘over and above’ for young patients at the hospital.