Prestwick youth travels to Westminster

Dec 4 2009 Ayrshire Post (main ed)

KIERAN WARDROP has been a fighter since the day he was born.

For the Prestwick schoolboy has battled a serious heart condition, diagnosed when he was just a day old.

But not content with coping with his own problems, the determined teenager is pledging to do his bit to help others.

Caring Kieran travelled to Westminster to lobby on behalf of the Children’s Heart Foundation.

And he met with MP Brian Donohoe to discuss the problems facing children and young people with heart conditions.

The Central Ayrshire MP heard how the 16-year-old spends his free time actively promoting the issue both in the UK and abroad.

He has been a key member in setting up a teen forum in Portugal.

And he single handedly organises an annual family weekend in Pitlochry which allows families with children suffering from heart conditions to share experiences and support each other.

The brave teenager explained: “Knowing you’re not alone in dealing with something like this is so important. That’s why I do it.”

Keiran suffers from an abnormality of the heart and major blood vessels, known as Fallot’s tetralogy.

He had his first operation when he was just 10 months old.

And the Prestwick Academy pupil refuses to let it stop him doing the things that other teenagers enjoy.

He said: “I sometimes tire quicker than other people in PE, but otherwise I feel fine.”

Keiran’s dad Scott, who actively fundraises along with mum Elaine and sister Erin for children with heart conditions, is rightly proud.

He said: “He has had three open heart surgeries and I’ve lost count of the times he has been into hospital for treatments over the years.”

And he praised the efforts of staff at Yorkhill Hospital and Prestwick Academy for their continued support.

He added: “We really can’t praise the teachers at Prestwick Academy enough.

“They have come to the house, emailled class work and generally gone above and beyond the call of duty.”

And Mr Donohoe was impressed by Keiran’s attitude to life during his visit to London.

He explained: “I’m impressed with the proactive way in which Kieran has responded to his condition.

“Not content with simply being a victim, he has been tireless in his efforts to help other youngsters with the same or similar problems and of course he has been pushing his agenda with politicians like me in the House of Commons.”