In October 2023, ten-year-old Oscar Caig was struck by a van on his way home from school. Now, Oscar and his mum, Anna, are sharing their story of how Sheffield Children’s saved his life.
Anna said: “Those first few hours were a blur. But when we got to Sheffield Children’s, I was confident everything that could possibly be done for my lovely boy was being done with care.”
Oscar had suffered a concussion, leading to frightening amnesia and short-term memory loss. His legs were also badly injured, leaving him unable to walk.
Anna said: “Everyone on the neuroscience ward was incredible, with both Oscar and us as a family. The staff truly cared about who Oscar was, getting to know him, chatting with him, sharing their favourite facts, and generally being a friendly face in such a scary time for us.”
Oscar remembers some moments from his time at Sheffield Children’s: “I enjoyed playing with the Lego. But my favourite thing was when Izzy, the doctor, showed me how to find the blind spot in my vision and let me borrow her biro all day so I could get the hang of it. Once I got back to school, I impressed all my friends with the trick.”
Anna added: “Now, when we drive past Sheffield Children’s, Oscar shouts: ‘Yay, it’s the children’s hospital!’ That says it all, really. His overriding impression, despite what he was going through at the time, is that it’s a place he loves.”
After learning to walk again with the help of crutches, Oscar soon bounced back. Remarkably, he was able to return home just a few days after the accident.
Now twelve years old and back to full health, Oscar has been fundraising alongside Anna to give back to Sheffield Children’s.
In March and April 2024, the mother-and-son duo completed a marathon challenge, running 26 miles across two months to raise money for Sheffield Children’s Hospital Charity.
Anna said: “Oscar couldn’t walk, so running with him now is a real dream come true. I love running for my mental health, and I love having Oscar by my side as we take on this challenge.”
Together, Oscar and Anna raised an incredible £1,150 for Sheffield Children’s Hospital Charity. Their fundraising helps us go above and beyond NHS provision, supporting life-saving equipment, new facilities, a welcoming environment, and vital research that transforms paediatric care for children across the world.
Inspired by Oscar’s story? Why not get involved today and fundraise to help provide a lifeline to children like Oscar?
