IN HIS first three years, Kyle Thorne has suffered more health problems than most would not experience in a lifetime.

Within an hour of being born, Kyle was diagnosed with a rare condition, tracheo oesophageal fistula (TOF), where his food pipe was not attached to his stomach. At just a day old, the Carterton youngster underwent life-saving surgery and spent two weeks in intensive care.

The condition meant that Kyle was prone to choking and was unable to eat solid food until the age of two.

Before he was a year old, Kyle had to be resuscitated on three separate occasions after he stopped breathing.

He has had a major operation at Great Ormond Street Hospital in London, and faces more operations to correct scoliosis – curvature of the spine – a TOF-related condition he was born with.

Now parents Suzanne and Myles are to show their appreciation for the NHS with a sponsored 24-hour bike ride from Norwich Hospital, where Kyle was born, to their home in Stirling Close, Carterton.

Mr Thorne, 32, who works at RAF Brize Norton, said: “It will be hard work but I am sure we will get there.”

Mrs Thorne, 35, said: “During our time at Great Ormand Street we have seen what an amazing hospital it is and would like to thank them for saving Kyle’s life and for treating the thousands of other sick children under their care.

“Despite all this, Kyle is an amazing, happy little boy who is always full of life and has a smile for everyone.”

They will take on the challenge on Wednesday, October 13, during TOF Awareness Week, for Great Ormond Street and Norwich Hospital. They hope to raise more than £1,000.

  • To donate, visit justgiving.com/uzannemyles