THE FAMILY of Weymouth youngster Max Price have received welcome offers of support as they move on from his failed kidney transplant operation.

Max, who turns four this week, 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 following 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 a bumper donation from the Dorset Kidney Fund as well as contributions from Dorset Echo readers.

Max and his family were visited at home by Diana and Alan Crowder from the Dorset Kidney Fund and the charity’s chairman Stephanie Vincent, who handed over the cheque.

Michelle said the donation would be well received after a difficult few weeks for the family.

She said: “We are very grateful for their kind donation, it will make a massive difference to all of us.

“At the moment any decisions or worries that can be taken out of our hands really help as we are struggling with all the decisions we keep having to make.”

Michelle also praised the emotional support Mrs Crowder and the Kidney Fund had been able to provide.

She said: “Diana knows exactly what I’m talking about – all the medical terminology and everything.”

Mrs Crowder, a transplant patient herself, said: “We are pleased to help. It really hit home with us because he is local and I don’t think there is anything in Southampton like a Kidney Fund.”

She said: “I want to thank everyone that has made donations, every little bit helps.

“It really makes a big difference to know that we are not alone.”

How to help

The Dorset Echo is appealing for anyone who can help contribute to Max’s ongoing care and his parents’ travel costs for their regular trips for his dialysis.

Contributions can be dropped into the Echo offices on the Granby Industrial Estate in Weymouth and Antelope Walk in Dorchester.