Tommy Plant
The charity was created in memory of an inspirational young boy, Tommy Plant.
Tommy's Story
Tommy was born in December 2011 and within 24hrs underwent emergency ECMO surgery to save his life, spending his first Christmas in hospital. Tommy beat the odds to recover, he couldn't feed well and lived with a nasal feeding tube for the next few years, this whilst being on oxygen support at home. Eventually Tommy persevered and started to eat which led to eventually coming off the nasal tube and then the oxygen, Tommy started to live a normal life being a typical boy. He attended school and grew up with 3 elder brothers Tommy started to thrive and enjoyed life. After a routine operation at Birmingham Children’s Hospital, on waking up from minor surgery, Tommy suffered a cardiac arrest and spent the following weeks in intensive care, afterwards he was diagnosed with Pulmonary Hypertension and placed on sildenafil to help his over worked heart. He continued to live a normal life like any boy would but heartbreakingly, in January 2019 Tommy suffered an out of hospital cardiac arrest, with the amazing support and care of West Midlands Ambulance Service and Birmingham Children’s hospital he walked out of hospital in the February, he survived against all the odds. Tommy again carried on with life, playing and having fun albeit treated for this heart condition. In October of the same year, whilst at school Tommy suffered, this now his 3rd, another cardiac arrest, spending time in Intensive Care he responded well and again he, much to the amazement of the nurses and doctors, survived and came home. Despite all that happened to him Tommy battled on, living the best life he could, growing up and developing a love for buses and football. Sadly 2 months short of his 9th Birthday, whilst at home with his family Tommy suffered what would be a 4th cardiac arrest that would be the biggest battle of his little life. Despite being rushed to hospital and in CPR for over 70mins Tommy’s heart started to beat, that was Tommy fighting all the way. Taken into intensive care it was evident this cardiac arrest was one too many for his tired body, on October 2nd Tommy sadly fell asleep and was never to wake again, that day was the most heart-breaking day of our lives. Tommy fought all his life, but he did so with a smile, never complained, he woke everyday with optimism and love, and he lived every single second of his life.... he never ever gave up. Tommy is an inspiration to us all and cared for everyone. In his name the charity will honour Tommy and everyone’s life he touched, he always gave everything he could and had time for everyone. This charity will help others in providing debfibrillators and in ways to serve the community, the way Tommy would.
ALISON YATES
Tommy’s Mom and co-founder of the trust. Alison was everything to Tommy, not just a mom but a best friend, a carer and a teacher to name but a few. Wherever Tommy was you would find Alison.
CLAIRE HASKER
Claire has supported Tommy’s family throughout this distressing chapter in their lives. She has and continues to play an active part of the charity
DAVID STOCKDALE
David is a professional goalkeeper. David has been supporting Tommy for many years, providing support on his road to recovery. David selflessly gave his free time to help Tommy in his hour of need.
KELVIN HEATH
Kelvin has known the family for over 20years, he was a like an Uncle to Tommy and shared so many good times. Always supportive of Tommy, Kelvin is dedicated to supporting the Charity and has been involved in many fundraising events.
KATIE STOCKDALE
Katie has been supporting Tommy’s family for many years, providing care and emotional support through the hardest of times.
MICHELLE MURRAY
Michelle is a close friend of the family and has known the family for over 10years. Michelle dedicates selflessly her time for anything associated with the Charity. Tommy was and still is a part of her life.