On 4th April, Rio collapsed at his local boxing gym, Surbiton Boxing Club after sparring, and sadly the paramedics on the scene failed to respond with haste and it was only once the second paramedic arrived, they knew from Rio’s pupils that he had a head injury and rushed him to St George’s hospital (although Rio didn’t arrive at the hospital until 2 hours and 40 minutes after the first paramedics arrived once he collapsed), where the devastating news was delivered: Rio had suffered a brain haemorrhage and required immediate emergency surgery. Despite the gravity of the situation, Rio's strength and resilience shone through, as he underwent the procedure with courage and determination.

Following the surgery, Rio was transferred to the intensive care unit, where we were then informed that if Rio arrived at the hospital 5 minutes later he would be brain dead, 10 minutes and he wouldn’t be with us. Although he has not yet regained consciousness, his loved ones remain hopeful, knowing that he can hear their words of encouragement and support. Rio's unwavering fighting spirit gives them the confidence that he will emerge from this challenge stronger than ever.

A few days ago we were informed that Rio has Factor 7 deficiency which is a rare bleeding disorder caused by a deficiency of clotting factor VII, which is essential for blood clotting. It can lead to excessive bleeding or bruising, and people with this disorder may experience bleeding episodes after injury, surgery, or dental procedures. Factor 7 deficiency is usually inherited, but it can also develop later in life due to certain medical conditions or medications. This has brought some light to why Rio hasn’t woken up, the bleed on his brain was extensive due to this disease that we had no idea he had!

Due to all of the above, Rio’s brain has been damaged, and recovery is expected to take over a year. The cost of rehabilitation is significant, and it is believed that the best care may not be available through the NHS (National Health Service) in the UK. The family has reached out to others who have experienced similar injuries and has been informed that they only receive a limited amount of rehabilitation.

The family is advocating for as much rehabilitation as possible to ensure the best possible outcome for Rio. They believe that access to the most effective care is crucial for him to reach a full recovery which will cost thousands!

It has been reported that the NHS waiting list for rehabilitation can take up to a year for individuals like Rio. However, waiting for such an extended period is not an option, especially since early intervention is vital for Rio's complete recovery. It is essential to ensure that Rio receives the necessary rehabilitation as soon as possible to achieve the best possible outcome for his recovery.

Rio has a remarkable relationship with his parents that goes beyond the typical parent-child dynamic. He is not just their son, but also their closest friend and confidant. His dad and he share a passion for training, which they often do together, while his mum and he enjoy jogging as a way to bond and stay fit.

Rio's support for his mum is unwavering, especially during tough times when she feels down. He knows how to be there for her and offer the right words of encouragement, assuring her that she can overcome any challenge that comes her way.

It's rare to find a 17-year-old boy who has such a strong bond with his parents, but Rio is an exception. His love and respect for them are palpable, and his willingness to be there for them in any way possible is truly remarkable.

Rio is an extraordinary 17-year-old with a heart of gold. He is an academic achiever who smashed his GCSE's with A's and B's, and recently sat for his mock A-levels with predictions of top grades. His diligence, attention to detail, and analytical skills have earned him the respect and admiration of his teachers. Rio's determination to overcome his obstacles and excel in all areas of his life is truly inspirational.

Despite being perfect in many ways, Rio struggled with insecurity about his weight and appearance. One day, he decided to take action and began a six-month journey of consistent dieting and training. With pure dedication, drive, and focus, Rio put in the work every day to achieve his body goal. He woke up at 6am every morning to complete a 5k run which he then changed to a 10k run! After school Rio would hit the gym and carefully monitored his food intake, never giving up or losing sight of his goal.

Over time, Rio's hard work paid off. He started to notice significant changes in his body and felt proud of what he had achieved. His muscles grew and his weight began to drop, 2.8 Stones in 4 months and with each passing day, he felt more confident and capable than ever before. Finally, he reached a point where he was happy with his progress and decided to take on a new challenge: boxing.

Rio's commitment to his health and fitness is a testament to his character. He showed that with hard work, focus, and dedication, anything is possible. Despite facing obstacles along the way, he never gave up and continued to push himself to be the best version of himself.

Rio began his boxing journey in 2021 by participating in a beginner's camp at Earlsfield Boxing Club. A few months ago, he joined Surbiton Boxing Club, which is conveniently located near his home. Rio quickly established himself as a valuable member of the club and developed strong relationships with the coaches. He consistently gave his all at the gym, constantly pushing himself to the limit. Boxing became a real passion of Rio's, and he regularly shared news of his progress with his family. His ultimate goal was to keep improving and one day compete in the championships.

The funds raised will solely be used for Rio's rehabilitation and any expenses that may aid his recovery. In the event that there are any remaining funds after Rio's rehabilitation, he will donate them to someone in need, as chosen by him. It should be noted that under no circumstances will the funds be used for any other purposes.