A family is organising fundraisers to celebrate a brave teenager who has defied the odds to reach his 18th birthday.
Zack Kerr suffered complications when he was less than a year old and was left with brain damage, cerebral palsy and other medical issues meaning doctors thought it was unlikely he would survive long.
But Zack, of Howard Close, Accrington, will turn 18 in a few weeks’ time and, to mark the milestone, he and his family are raising money for Derian House Children’s Hospice which has supported them for years.
His mum Kristianne said she was incredibly proud of her son for reaching the birthday and said he was very happy despite his difficulties.
She said: “He was never meant to live to be a teenager so this is a big milestone for him.
“They thought he wouldn’t live beyond being a baby but now they think he might live to be 30 or 40 which is amazing really.
“He’s having a party to celebrate but it was his idea to give something back to Derian House.
“He loves it there – he gets on really well with the staff. He goes for some respite and they also have days out and things that involve siblings.”
Broadfield Special School pupil Zack, who also lives with his brother Connor, six, attends Derian House for two weeks a year and can continue to attend until age 25.
His family is hoping to raise hundreds of pounds to say thank you with a charity football match between an Accrington Wanderers side and Lancashire Police on Sunday, September 29 at Accrington Academy from 1pm.
They are also planning a fundraiser at First Bowl Accrington on October 19 in the run up to Zack’s big day on October 23. There will be a variety of stalls at the event.
Tickets for the football match are available from Kristianne or her sister Sarah on 07568 502808 or 07817 547661.
