PRE-SCHOOL children braved the cold to raise funds to help birthday boy Max Price move on from his failed kidney transplant operation.

More than 25 children took part in a sponsored fun run hosted by Allsorts pre-school in Weymouth which Max, who turns four today, has attended for over a year.

Allsorts supervisor Rosie Sharp, 54, said: “Max is such a lovely little boy and we wanted to do something to help. We talked amongst ourselves and came up with the idea for a fun run.

“It’s a shame Max couldn’t be here but he has dialysis today.”

Max has been suffering from chronic renal failure and it seemed his family’s prayers appeared to have been answered when he was called up to London for his long awaited transplant procedure earlier this month.

Unfortunately Max suffered complications after the operation and his new donor organ had to be removed. He is now back home but still has to travel to Southampton Hospital three times a week for dialysis.

This travelling threatened to be a burden on mum Michelle and dad Shaun but their efforts have been made easier by fundraisers.

The strain has been made easier by donations from the Dorset Kidney Fund and Dorset Echo readers. Mrs Price said the family really appreciated the help and support.

She said: “As Max goes to the pre-school they know what Max has been through and the strain it has had on the family emotionally and financially.”

Haley Wellman, 36, mother to three-year-old Rhianna May Wellman who attends Allsorts, said: “It is important for the children to understand that it is good to help others.

“Even though Max is going through so much he does not show it, he always has a little smile on his face.”

The run was held in the grounds of neighbouring Beechcroft St Paul’s Primary school where Max’s siblings attend. Mrs Sharp said while sponsor money was being collected the children had also made Max a card.

Max will eventually be on the lookout for another donor organ so he can try again for a transplant.

How to help

The Dorset Echo is appealing for anyone who can help support Max’s family with their ongoing care for him by dropping in donations to its offices at the Granby Industrial Estate in Weymouth or Antelope Walk in Dorchester.