11 October 2023 , 18:44
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A football-mad youngster who doctors feared would never walk again after a series of strokes is to lead England out at Wembley.
Reggie Aslin’s sight was also damaged, meaning he could no longer watch his favourite team Grimsby play. But the delighted seven-year-old has been chosen to walk out with England skipper Harry Kane and the team for their friendly against Australia on Friday, thanks to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Mum Michelle said: “It will make Reggie’s dream come true.” Reggie has already overcome hurdles. He was born with rare hypoplastic left heart syndrome and given a 40% chance of survival. It means part of the organ did not develop properly.
He had surgery at four days old and again before his first birthday to replumb his arteries and veins so he could survive with half a heart. But after a third operation in March, doctors struggled to wake him. Scans revealed he had suffered multiple strokes, causing damage across his brain.
Michelle, of Grimsby, Lincs, said: “My husband Lee asked the doctors when Reggie would wake up. They said it was a question of ‘if’, not when.” Reggie finally woke several days later but could not see, or move his left side.
Baby boy has spent his life in hospital as doctors are 'scared' to discharge him
Michelle added: “The neurologist said we wouldn’t get the boy back we had before.” But Reggie defied expectations, spurred on by his love of football. He smiled for the first time as he lay in hospital, listening to Harry Clifton score for Grimsby. Players and fans sent him messages and displayed banners of support at matches.
Reggie began moving his arms, then legs, and took his first steps. After being discharged in May, he met his heroes on the pitch at Blundell Park after their 1-0 final day win. Michelle said: “We promised we’d get him to the last game of the season. He started running for the first time since his operation. Without his love of football, I don’t think he would be where he is now.”
Reggie is improving but still needs £10,000 pioneering treatment in Berlin to restore more of his sight. His family are trying to raise £15,000 for the cost of the therapy, flights and hotels. Michelle said: “If they can give him an extra 10% of his sight back, it would make a big difference."