Scots toddler waiting for life-saving double transplant gets early visit from Santa

A seriously ill toddler desperately waiting for a life-saving double transplant got an early visit from Santa.Zachary Bradford, from Kirkintilloch, near Glasgow, may have just weeks to live as he waits for a small bowel and liver transplant.Fundraising legend John O’Byrne brought the magical moment to three-year-old Zachary and two other sick children.Zachary's mum Jade said the visit allowed the family to make special memories when the tot’s future - and Christmas - is so uncertain.She said: “One of the reasons it was so special to get Santa to the house was because we may not get to Christmas if he’s really unwell.

Even if we do we may not be able to spend it at home.“It gave us that Christmas feel at home which we may not get on Christmas day.“He absolutely adored it.

He and his brother were both in complete awe shouting ‘Santa’. It was so special and really intimate.“Sadly he had been poorly and was only on pass for a few hours for the visit.

So we’re so grateful it could happen.”Zachary was put back on the transplant list earlier this year after he received a new liver in 2023, following five unsuccessful matches.He had contracted sepsis during his recovery which severely damaged his donor organ - which must come from another child.Jade, also mum to Zachary’s younger brother, Reuben, fears another infection could kill the youngster at any time and he recently contracted Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) leaving him in a serious condition in ICU.She said: “We got discharged a few days ago to the hospice for respite but have been back in hospital since.“Zachary is still very much active on the transplant list and we hope a match comes up for him but we’re very much aware that might not happen because of his size and