A boy who endured five heart operations in a year after an innocuous fall from his bike has made a remarkable recovery — and set up his own charity to help others.
Keith Ssewamala, 13, of Tulse Hill, was healthy until the accident, but then started to complain of chest pains. Tests revealed a bulge, or aneurysm, on his heart. Doctors removed it, but he later began coughing up blood and started to lose his eyesight.
After suffering a seizure, Keith was taken to Evelina Children’s Hospital, where it was discovered that he had a rare form of heart disease.
Doctors at the Evelina, which is part of Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS foundation Trust, carried out
five open heart and keyhole operations on Keith. Now back riding his bike, Keith and his parents, Monica and Alan, were determined to help other children facing similar problems. They set up the Keith Heart Foundation to raise money for research and surgery for children in the Third World.
Keith, who wants to become an actor, said: “I want other children with heart conditions to have the right care and support, which is why I helped set up the foundation.
“I’m blessed to have parents who are so devoted to my happiness. I realise that not all children have family and relatives like mine.”
