Ryan Smith

My nomination is for my son, Ryan. He was born in 1986 in the Oxford Radcliffe Hospital, and was the only baby boy born on that day. He was premature and also cleft lip and palate. He underwent his first operation at the age of 8 weeks old. Ryan has had 23 surgeries throughout 24 years. Operations were often very complex and painful for him. You see, it takes a whole childhood to help people with this condition, and they spend years in the healthcare system. Ryan has not once asked 'why me, why did I have to have this?' I was with him for every surgery and to watch your child put to sleep and into the hands of the professionals is incredibly hard for a parent. We thank the surgeons and nurses who have helped Ryan succeed into adulthood for their dedication, skill and care. Ryan has never let his condition get in his way. He won many trophies for riding, scouting &, football as a child. In his late teens he also worked with the Basingstoke Play Council that enabled parents to have excellent quality childcare during holidays. He would often come home with his face painted by the kids. He also funded himself through college. On leaving college Ryan attended UCE University and gained a BA Hons in Business & Marketing. He currently works at VW UK. Running with the torch is an opportunity to thank the hospitals in Reading & Oxford for their care. It is also a chance to let everyone who has challenges know they can be overcome and there is a place for us all in life