Meet Charlie, a kidney disease sufferer who is inspiring others with his own online video

LITTLE Charlie Oldfield has had to overcome numerous challenges after being born with a range of health conditions.
By The Newsroom
Published 5th Sep 2018, 12:16 BST
Updated 5th Sep 2018, 13:22 BST
Charlie Oldfield and his mum AnnieCharlie Oldfield and his mum Annie
Charlie Oldfield and his mum Annie

The six-year-old has had 16 operations, the most recent of which changed his life.

And now Charlie wants to give something back and help other children and young people going through similar problems.

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The Gosport youngster has daily struggles due to his kidney disease, a rare bone disorder syndrome, a bladder that does not work properly and having to be tube-fed for the first few years of his life.

One of the biggest problems for Charlie was not having a functional bladder. But in November he underwent a serious operation and now, he uses a catheter from his bladder to his belly button to go to the toilet.

He has created a video on YouTube showing what he does to encourage others having the same operation that there is nothing to be scared of.

His mum Annie Oldfield-Bruton said: '˜Charlie is so compassionate and just wants to help other people.

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'˜After having the operation on his bladder, he hated using the catheter and it took me and his dad more than an hour to get him through the process.

'˜He watched a video of a little boy on YouTube and it inspired him to try it by himself.

'˜Now he can use the tube and go to the toilet in less than a minute.'

The video has been viewed more than 2,000 times and comments have been left by people due to have the same operation saying how inspirational he is. 

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Charlie, who attends Rowner Infant School, said: '˜Watching the other video gave me the confidence to use the tube. 

'˜In my video I talk to people about what I am doing. I aimed to get 1,000 hits but now I have more than 2,000.

'˜I want to help people and show it isn't scary. I want to go into hospitals and speak to patients.'

Annie said she is proud of Charlie and how he has dealt with his health problems.

'˜He loves life despite everything,' she added.

'˜The video is a light at the end of a tunnel for him and gives him something to focus on. We aim to do more in the future.'

To watch Charlie's video visit bit.ly/2NLibqW

Related topics:YouTubeGosport