Airdrie boy receives 7,000th 'stoma bear' after surgery
Joey Guild, from Airdrie, was constantly sick and losing weight due to a stomach and bowel problem.
His illness led to a referral to the surgical team at the Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow, where he underwent surgery to create a stoma.
Read more: Hospice helped family create 'special memories' with late daughter
After the surgery, Joey and his mum Ashley Guild, 31, were supported by paediatric gastrostomy and stoma clinical nurse specialist Louise Paterson and the stoma nursing team.
Ashley said: "Joey's condition had become really debilitating.
"We think the issues were there since birth but got particularly bad over the two years leading up to his operation.
"Since he had the operation to get the stoma it has been like night and day - he's doing so well now.
"The care he has received from Louise and the team at the RHC has been amazing, they've looked after Joey so well and now he's a happy healthy boy who is back at school full time and spending time with his friends.
"He's got more energy and is able to be the character that he is."
Last week, in recognition of his surgery, Joey received a special 'stoma bear' from the charity A Bear Named Buttony.
Joey and Buttony bear (Image: Supplied)
The charity was set up 10 years ago by Jenny Gow MBE after her daughter had surgery to create a stoma when she was just three years old.
Buttony the bear, who also has a stoma, is designed to help young kids adapt to life with one and feel less alone.
Joey's bear marked a huge milestone for the charity, being the 7,000th one given out.
Ashley said: "Joey is delighted to receive his Buttony Bear.
"It's even nicer to know it was started by a family who went through a similar experience to the one we are now."
Jenny said: 'To gift bear number 7,000 is an exciting achievement for the charity and we are delighted that it is going to a child in Glasgow.
'This comes as we mark 10 years since the charity started, and we are so pleased that we have been able to help so many families and children during this period."
Buttony Bear (Image: Supplied)
Read more: Glasgow Airport team step up to raise over £2000 for good cause
Louise, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde's paediatric gastrostomy and stoma clinical nurse specialist, said: "It's fantastic to see the huge benefits Joey has had since having his stoma surgery last year.
'Our service is privileged to have had close links with Jenny and the Buttony Bear charity over the past 10 years.
'Buttony helps bring a huge smile to our patients and families who are going through stoma surgery.
'We can't thank the charity enough for all the help and support they provide for our children and families and for positively promoting stoma awareness.'
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