A YOUNG boy is giving back to a hospital more than 160 miles from his hometown after life-changing treatment. 

Nine-year-old Zachary Guilder, from Braintree, experienced knee troubles from birth, being born prematurely at 35 weeks and growing up with chronic pain and stiff joints.

At six, Zachary was referred to Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon Mr Nicolaou at Sheffield Children’s Hospital.

Three years ago, Zachary and parents Antonia and Tim made their first three-hour-long drive to Sheffield.

It was found Zachary was born without his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) which made his joint unstable and painful with an associated tear of his meniscus.

Zachary had surgery to create a new ACL from tissue and repair his lateral meniscus.

With Zachary still growing, it was important to use techniques to prevent limb shortening or issues whilst he is still growing.

As a result of these complications, Zachary had to have further surgery to remove scar tissue that was preventing his knee from healing.

His treatment was a success, and he was finally able to play his favourite sport, football.

Zachary then got to work on his own fundraiser for The Children’s Hospital Charity, which supports Sheffield Children’s Hospital, writing a letter to the head teacher at his school.

He asked for a yellow-themed day to represent charity mascot Theo the Bear, which the school happily helped organise before creating posters to place along the school corridors to raise awareness of the day.

Zachary said: “Mr Nicolaou is my favourite doctor because he is kind, clever and funny.

“I always think that he is like the superhero Thor with his big hammer.

“I want to raise money for all the children, doctors, nurses, physios and helpers that work at this amazing hospital.

“One day I would like to do a sponsored walk or even a marathon but a sponsored fun day at school is the best start."

Olympic Champion and Children's Hospital Charity patron Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill also thanked Zachary for beginning fundraising mission in a special video.

She said: “Thank you for being an incredible patient, thank you and your school for raising all that money.

“We wish you all the best with your future and keep doing what you’re doing, we’re very proud of you.”

To fundraise or donate visit tchc.org.uk.