<div>This story has grown to become a team of five, who together make up Team Wombles Swim the English Channel. After months of training (approx 3 swims accumulating around 10km a week each), it's getting very close now.  We set off on the 34km (plus a few more km depending on the conditions) challenge in approximately 2 weeks time - we get 48hours notice between 20th and 26th - at any time of day and could encounter some calm and/or fairly rough conditions along the way....and of course, jellyfish! 
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<div>We thought this event a great opportunity to help raise funds for The Evelina Children's Hospital and The Evelina Children's Charity on behalf of an amazing young man who has beaten all odds to prove that he really does have powers!
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<div>On 19th June 2024, Warwick and Holly's son, Austin, was admitted to the East Surrey Hospital complaining of leg pain and his extremities discolouring. That evening and subsequent days became a living nightmare. His deterioration was so rapid that by 11pm, Austin was in the resus room being given multiple drugs, fluids and painkillers. The cause was a Strep A blood infection. By 11:30pm, his family were informed that it was highly likely that Austin would lose this battle and to prepare for the worst possible outcome.
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<div>Over the course of the next 7 hours, Austin was blue-lighted to the Evelina Children's Hospital (part of Guys and St Thomas') Intensive Care unit where a team of 8 specialists worked on him to try to control the infection. His liver, kidney and gut failed and he required emergency dialysis to try to extract the toxins from his body. Again, the family were told to expect the worse as his body continued to be put under incredible strain and stress to survive.
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<div>By 6am, the medical team were satisfied that they were in control of the situation. He remained critically ill in an induced coma, but he was still alive!
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<div>3 days later, Austin came out of his coma. His brain had survived without injury and in the subsequent weeks and months, Austin’s organs recovered. His limbs regained more circulation, and dexterity returned to his hands and fingers. He remained in Evelina’s intensive care unit for 10 weeks, before being transferred to critical care and ultimately onto the ward. Every week he had surgery to treat the injuries he sustained and in August it became obvious that some injuries, especially to his left foot, were affecting his overall recovery and the difficult decision was made to amputate Austin's lower left leg and 3 toes of his right foot. His infection markers dropped, he gained weight, grew stronger, was less tired and more able to fully commit to his physio.
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<div>Major reconstructive surgery then took place on his right foot in December but sadly the pain and prospects of future mobility led to the amputation of his lower right leg in March 2025.
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<div>Fast forward and Austin, with two new prosthetics (partly designed by himself) is back in the game and returned back to school on 19th May 2025! He has already fully embraced his new ‘normal’ and found adaptations for his favourite sports as well as trying new ones. There is no stopping him!
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<div>Having following Austin's journey, he truly is a very special, courageous and brave young man. His determination and endless positivity against all the odds is inspirational and humbling. To be able to help raise much needed funds for the charities that have and will continue to help Austin, and other children, will be an honour.
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<div>To follow his story: <a href="https://austinspowers.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><a href="https://austinspowers.com" target="_blank" class="" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://austinspowers.com</a></a>
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Anonymous

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Catherine & Steve Lees

Austin's Powers - a truly inspirational young man's journey

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