Dedicated to the memory of KJ
This site is a tribute to KJ, who was born in Carlisle on January 04, 2001.
In December 2001 after 7 months of illness and constant gp appointments, Keir was admitted to hospital for the second time, after repeatedly stopping breathing. A week after starting IV antibiotics, he was given a sweat test and was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis, a genetic lung disease that causes a thick mucus to clog the organs. The devastating news also came that this was a life threatening disease with a life expectancy of 28 years old (at that time) However this is very dependent on what bacteria etc are colonised in the lungs, and sadly as a toddler Keir had colonised Psuedomonas. It was not good news as it meant Keir needed regular hospital admissions every 3 months until he was 12 years old, for a course of IV antibiotics, intensive physiotherapy and specialist care. This became a routine of 2 weeks at home and 2 weeks on the ward as he became more poorly with lung failure, copd, bronchiectasis, and diabetes.
Keir was invited to take part in a documentary by Liberty Bell in 2014, 'Kids with Cameras - Diary of a Childrens Ward' in which to bring awareness of Cystic Fibrosis on to prime time tv. His story centred around his wish to have a sleep over at his friends house without the nippy bypap machine and oxygen cylinder.
He also took part in a video for The Cystic Fibrosis Trust called 'Breathe'. His breathing can be heard at the end of the video as the text shows - i felt if Keir passed away before transplant arrived, we'd have this to remember him by - however he had precious years left to live thanks to the amazing gift of life from his donor, in 2016..
Keir recovered speedy after transplant. Within 3 and a half months, he had returned to school after a long absence. In 2017, only nine months post transplant, he flew to Anzere to go skiing with other Transpalnt children. He attended school, college, found work and live his best life.
In April 2021, I noticed the Keir had swollen ankles/feet, i rang the Transplant Clinic for advice and was advised to get him to the GP asap. I took him to the surgery but due to Covid19 restrictions, i was unable to attend the appointment with him. An hour later, a nurse rang me to say she feared Keir was very poorly, and needed to go to hospital. Within 16 hours, he was in Intensive Care, in an induced coma and clinging onto life by a thread. Within 2 days he was being transferred to the Transplant Hospital for life saving heart surgery - he had contracted an infection called exophiala that had attacked his heart and caused endocarditis. We were called to hospital on 9th April 2021 to say our goodbyes, after he went into multiple organ failure. An emergency surgery took place, despite the bleak prognosis of death on the operating table, the surgeon wanted to give Keir the best chance and 6 hours after going into surgery, he came out. He had made it - he was fighting to survive once more...
3 weeks after life saving open heart surgery, Keir came home. He had developed blood clots and other complications however he was thankful to have been given another chance. For 10 days he enjoyed being home with us and all was looking up..
He passed away very suddenly and unexpectedly on 10th May while we were eating breakfast together. Despite my best attempt at CPR, and the unfaltering care given by the emergency responders, Keir had been given his angel wings..
We are still in disbelief and immense shock that Keir is no longer fighting cystic fibrosis, but as always, we would like to carry on raising awareness, raising money and helping others via this Tribute page.
All monies raised on this page will go directly to the Cystic Fibrosis Trust.
Keir's light will keep shining brightly every time you visit this page - thank you for checking in. Please light a candle, leave a tribute or a photo, remember Keir and contribute to his page as often as you wish. x
4.1.2001 - 10.5.2021
Contribute
Help grow KJ's Tribute by adding messages or memories you'd like to share.
Thoughts
We hope that you find this tribute to KJ a place of comfort, support and inspiration for you to visit whenever you want or need to.
Sent by MuchLoved on 05/10/2024
Everyone grieves in a way that is unique to them. If you need to speak to a bereavement expert please visit the GriefChat section at www.muchloved.com which is a completely free service where you can remain anonymous if you prefer.
Sent by MuchLoved on 05/10/2024
Candles
Love and thoughts to you Son. Your sister is getting married this month, I wish you were here with us to celebrate. Life is permanently empty without you K. You are missed so very deeply.
Lit by Love Mam xx on 15th October 2024
There isn't a yellow candle Son, so I'll make it a green one! Yesterday Megan ran the Great Cumbrian Run 10k in your memory. She raised a phenomenal £500, KJ. We had no doubt every step she ran, you ran beside her - and as she came to finish line, a rainbow filled the sky 💜
Lit by Love Mam xx on 7th October 2024
Keir always in our thoughts. We hope this tribute to KJ brings comfort to all those who loved him
Lit by Susan, on behalf of everyone at Cystic Fibrosis Trust on 7th October 2024
