Hello!!

My name is James and I am 8 years old.When I was a baby, I was diagnosed with an illness called Bronchiectasis. This means that I am prone to bacterial infections entering my lungs. It also means that my lungs become damaged each time I get an infection and this makes it difficult for me to clear my lungs of mucus that builds up inside them.
Because of this, I have to have physiotherapy twice a day. My Mum usually does this for me, but I don't like having it done as it means I have to lie still.
I also have to have intra venous antibiotics every 3 months for 2 weeks and sometimes in between if I become ill.
My veins aren't very good for holding needles so I have to have a portacath in my chest. This is a metal device fitted under my skin with a tube that goes straight into my main vein. This makes it easier to give my medicine but means that I have to have a needle once a month to keep the tubes clean. I also have to be very careful when I am playing out that I don't bash it as this would be very dangerous. This means that I can't do some of the things I would really like to do like play rugby or do karate.
Because of my Bronchiectasis, I sometimes find it hard to join in with my friends when they are playing games like football and tag because I get out of breath easily.
There is a piece of equipment called an Airways Vest which could help me with my physiotherapy but it costs a lot of money. There is also a clinic in America who may be able to help me with my illness.
My Mum and Dad and their family and friends are trying to raise money to pay for the equipment and to take me to America to visit the clinic.
Have a look at my website to see how you can help.
Bye for now...
James