Bolton: Child with complex medical issues raises funds for youngsters

Austin Thornber was born premature, with a hole in his heart and has been diagnosed with autism, a gene mutation which is only known as ACBG at the moment, and he is 32nd in the world to have the rare mutation.

On top of this he also has ADHD and breathing issues due to collapsed pockets of infection in his lungs.

His dad Simon says Austin’s heart is so big and he is always ‘willing to help others’, despite his many health conditions.

Brave Austin making a difference for other children

He added: “I am super proud of him.

“He is such an inspiration to me and others.

“He makes me strive for excellence every day.

“Everything he deals with rolls off his back, and he just gets on with it.

“He may have just come out of hospital, and he’ll ask, ‘what we are doing for a charity event?’

“Because Austin is such an inspiration, we just get on with it, because nothing phases him.”

He has already suffered two cardiac arrests in school at Moorgate Primary and wanted to make a difference in other children’s lives.

Brave Austin making a difference for other children

Simon says that everyone at the school has been extremely supportive and have helped Austin raise funds in the past.

Austin’s grandmother Dawn Thornber said: “I think this has given him a purpose and that’s why he’s committed to helping people out.

“The challenges he has had thrown at him through his life over what he can and can’t do has given him focus.

“I am super proud of him.

“He just goes on every day.”

Austin has been involved in a range of different fundraisers, including setting up stalls in his garden, a 5K run, jam making, raffles, toy sales, and cake sales, to name a few.

It all started when he was invited by the ‘When you wish upon a star’ charity after they invited him to a treat weekend.

Brave Austin making a difference for other children

When Covid hit in 2019 he became inspired to do something for other children, when he wasn’t able to do any of his usual fundraising.

Dawn added: “I was talking to his dad about a virtual run and Austin said, ‘I can do that’.

“So, he helped organise a virtual run and raised £400.

“He loved it so much.

“He wanted to raise even more money after that

“You name it, and he has done it.”

He wanted to give children at the ‘When you wish upon a star’ charity, a chance to have their wishes granted.

Austin said: “I just want to give smiles to poorly children to make happy memories for them and their family

“I just want to raise as much as I can.”

Austin has previously raised £3,000 in the past for the charity.

Brave Austin making a difference for other children

He was nominated for a commendation for his work by his scout leader but received the chief scout’s commendation for meritorious conduct instead.

He also received a letter of congratulations from a Bear Grylls OBE and has been invited to Windsor Castle next year for the Queen scouting parade.

Along with his letter, he also received a medal at an awards ceremony, with a ribbon that he can sew on to his cub badge.

Austin said: “I didn't know I was getting an actual medal and I get to keep it forever.

“I was shocked but enjoyed it.”

Austin is currently waiting for lung surgery which has already been delayed twice, but he is continuing to raise money for the ‘When you wish upon a star’ charity and remains in good spirits.

 Donations and support can be made here.