This is about Hayden Riley, he is 11 years old and is in year 6 at Mudgee Public School. On the 16th of May Hayden was airlifted to the Sydney children’s hospital. On arrival it was discovered Hayden had a blood clot in his left jugular vein. Hayden was admitted to ICU immediately and a team of doctors found the clot was extremely large and that he also had Sepsis and Pneumonia. After several days on blood thinners, anti-biotics, oxygen, and fluids it also showed after several CT and MRI scans that he also has an abscess on his brain. Then after more extensive tests the doctors discovered he had a rare and severe condition called Lemierre Syndrome, which is caused by a severe complication of a bacterial infection. Unfortunately after fourteen days in ICU Hayden has only just begun his journey to getting better. No time frame has been given to when he will fully recover as he will need daily injections for the next 6-12 months even after being released from hospital. He also needs Physiotherapy to help him walk again as the clot near his brain has affected his balance. His mother Emma has been tirelessly and loyally by his side in the ICU whilst Hayden’s dad Barry and sister Makenzie have unfortunately had to stay in Mudgee due to financial reasons. Hayden is one of the sweetest, kindest, and most remarkably strong young boys I have had the pleasure of knowing and his family would be so appreciative of any support you can give them at this extremely difficult time. Please, dig deep and help Hayden to continue his fight to get well and be the hero he has been through this tough journey, as he is definitely mine. Love you Hayden.