Brave Oscar, 7 does not let illness put him off his football

Oscar Simpson, 7, who lives in Woodlands Park, Maidenhead with his mother Gemma, suffers from Multiple Pituitary Hormone Deficiency. It means his pituitary gland does not release vital chemicals needed to keep him well and help him recover from injuries.

He is a pupil at a first school in Windsor and his mum regularly visits there with a nurse to train staff about his medical needs, which can require immediate injections.

Miss Simpson said: “If he becomes sleepy or sloppy they know to check his sugar level immediately.

“If he suffers an injury of any sort his body can’t deal with it in the way most people’s can and he needs to have immediate medication.

“Touch wood it does not happen much but he ran into a wall playing football once.”

Oscar laughs as he says: “I’m used to it. I love football and it will not stop me.”

Oscar’s condition does not stop him being a vibrant footballing youngster who plays in after school matches and attends football camps. He is a Fulham supporter who treasures his visits to matches with his grandad.

His mum admits she likes to be there when he is playing just in case - and jokes that she has waited hours for matches to finish.

She said: “Oscar understands it’s important for him to take his medication but he doesn’t really understand his condition. This will come with time as he grows older.”

He has life membership of the Pituitary Foundation – the charity which will always be there to advise and support him as he goes through life.

Now Miss Simpson has organised a summer fair that will take place at Eton Wick Village Hall, Eton Wick Road on Saturday, June 23 to raise money for the charity.

There will be arts and craft stalls, cakes, refreshments, £1 entry for adults with all the money going to the Pituitary Foundation.

Miss Simpson and Oscar are well known in Eton Wick where they have lived at The Walk for five years. Ms Simpson’s family comes from Slough where she grew up.