A little boy with his heart the wrong way around had his biggest dream come true when he visited Anfield to watch Liverpool play.
Archie Purnell, who has a rare and complex heart condition, was granted his wish to watch Liverpool FC play at Anfield. The nine-year-old was born with multiple heart defects, including Dextrocardia.
The critical condition means Archie's heart is pointed toward the right side of the chest, when it should point toward the left. This means he struggles to get oxygen and may need a heart transplant in the future.
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Thanks to funds donated by the public, Make-A-Wish UK was able to send Archie and his family from their home in Bristol to Anfield on April 24 to watch his team play Everton. When Archie boarded a train at Bristol Temple Meads on April 22, mum Donna England told him they were heading to Scotland.
They were in fact traveling to Liverpool and his mum wanted to keep it as a big surprise. Donna said: "I knew he’d be so excited that he wouldn’t sit still, we only told him when we were almost there. He couldn’t believe it."
Archie was treated to the Match Day Hospitality package at Liverpool Hilton Hotel – including a three-course meal, complimentary drinks, and executive transfer to and from the game. There, he met former England player John Patrick Ward, who previously managed both Bristol Rovers and Bristol City in Archie’s hometown.
Donna said: "The whole day was just amazing, to see that smile on his face, after everything he’s been through, was incredible. He felt so lucky – we all did. Now he keeps asking when we get to go again!"
Archie was first referred to the charity in 2019, but COVID-19 meant that his wish was put on hold indefinitely. In April 2022, Make-A-Wish UK launched an appeal to raise funds for wishes like Archie’s.
Donna explained: "Archie’s heart is dextrocardia, which is totally the opposite way around to ours. He has other issues with his heart too, like pulmonary atresia and leaky ventricles.
"He’s had four heart operations – his last operation they gave him 20% chance of survival. But he’s beaten the odds every single team. He’s just our little miracle man."
Jason Suckley, Chief Executive of Make-A-Wish UK, said: "When a child like Archie is diagnosed with a critical condition, the joy of childhood is brought to an abrupt end with treatment plans, hospital appointments and worry taking over. The power of a wish brings light and joy to children and their loved ones, so we’re very grateful to everyone who donates to Make-A-Wish UK and helps light up the darkness for children like Archie."
Archie was treated to the Match Day Hospitality package at Liverpool Hilton Hotel – including a three-course meal, complimentary drinks, and executive transfer to and from the game. There, he met former England player John Patrick Ward, who previously managed both Bristol Rovers and Bristol City in Archie’s hometown.
Archie, who faces an uncertain future due to his heart condition, now wants to ‘give back’ and help children like him have a wish come true.
Donna said: "He’s got all sorts of plans! We want to do some fundraising for Make-A-Wish UK as a thank you for making Archie’s dream come true. It could never have happened without them and it’s a memory we’ll treasure forever – no matter what the future holds."
To refer a child like Archie for a wish visit https://www.make-a-wish.org.uk/wishes/apply-for-a-wish/
