Osian Jones charity walk in Penarth: Hundreds turn out

Following the transplant, he is now on a slow recovery plan in Intensive Care at Harefield Hospital - but through it all, Osian is being so brave and facing every step with a smile.

That’s the strength of Osian - and the strength of the support behind him was seen when hundreds of people turned out to support a charity walk in his name.

The walk took place over the weekend, and while we were there we got the privilege to meet Osian’s grandmother Gaynor, who described the the 16-year-old's journey to a new heart and how he just keeps on smiling.

Gaynor told us: “It was an emotional time waiting for a donor and we are all so thankful to the donor and their family, plus of course the amazing medical team at Harefield Hospital.

"The eight-hour operation was so nerve-racking! It’s funny though, Osian is his typical self and has charmed everyone at the hospital and the nurses love him."

Osian is currently recovering from an eight-hour heart transplant at Harefield Hospital in Uxbridge, after contracting a rare form of Covid that attacks major organs.

Osian Jones had to have a heart transplant after contracting a rare form of Covid (Image: Supplied)

Osian's grandmother Gaynor (centre holding yellow flag) gave an emotional account of her grandson (Image: Newsquest)

Fundraising walk for Osian

Watch the video below as hundreds show up at a charity walk to support Osian

From Barry and a pupil of Stanwell School in Penarth, a fundraising walk was held for Osian on Saturday, July 15, where hundreds showed up at Alexandra Park in Penarth before walking round the town down to the Marina, up Cogan Hill then through Penarth town centre.

Hundreds came out to support Osian including friends Macie, Tia, Maddy, Grace, Ava, Cloe and Ashlee (Image: Newsquest)

Organisers Sarah Richards, Natalie Llewellyn, Lucinda Isherwood, Clare Croft, Samina Barnwell and Sarah Lerway (Image: Newsquest)

Mates Loui, Ciaran and Callum (Image: Newsquest)

In a statement, the family said they are amazed at how Osian has coped in recent months.

“The journey he has been on since February, and the operations and procedures he has endured in the last four months has been unbelievable," they said.

“We are overwhelmed and admire his tolerance, patience and understanding of his situation. He has built a fan club amongst the medical teams and is always charming them with his smile, jokes and positive attitude.

Watch the video below as hundreds walk through Penarth to support Osian

The walk in support of Osian (Image: Newsquest)

Support was strong (Image: Ayshee Gee)

Osian is still in hospital (Image: Ayshee Gee)

“As his parents, we would like to take this opportunity to express our huge gratitude to family and friends and for the continuous support and love that has been given.”

Click here to go to Osian’s GoFundMe page if you wish to make a donation.

Click here to go to the Osian Jones, Parents And Friends Fundraising Facebook page.