Former Bracknell Town and Binfield striker Adam Crittenden and his family are raising money for an operation that the Robins FA Cup hero hopes will enable his son to pursue his passion in sport.
16-year-old Joshua was born with a condition called Pectus Excavatum as well as rib flare – a condition where the breast bone grows inwards due to overgrowth of the connective tissue that joins the ribs to the sternum causing pressure and pain on his chest, fatigue, shortness of breath after exercise, lightheartedness, as well as his oxygen levels averaging at around 93%.
In 2019 the NHS stopped funding the procedure which in mild cases can be cosmetic, but Joshua was diagnosed in early 2020 with a moderately severe case which can lead to pressure on the heart and lungs, causing cardiac and respiratory complications.
Joshua’s dad Adam was a crowd favourite at Larges Lane, particularly during the 2003/04 season when he scored an extra time winner against Basingstoke Town in the FA Cup Third Qualifying Round.
The sides had been deadlocked after 0-0 draws in the first game at the Camrose and the replay at Larges Lane when Crittenden stabbed home to setup a famous Fourth Qualifying Round tie with Barnet at Bracknell.
As well as Bracknell, Crittenden played for Binfield and Windsor locally as well as Camberley Town, Ash United and Cove and Aldershot Town.
Writing on the JustGiving page set up to raise £13,000, Joshua’s mum Laura said: “We have done so much research on this condition and the treatment available. We have found a doctor called Joel Dunning based in Middlesbrough who is happy to see Joshua on the NHS. Through doctor Joel Dunning, Joshua can be treated on the NHS right up to the point of surgery, at which point it is down to us to fund the operation. By doing it this way it will enable us to bring down the whole cost of the private treatment.
“The operation that will help Joshua is called the NUSS procedure, which is keyhole surgery. This is where metal bars are inserted between the sternum that will push his chest into a normal position. These bars are removed around 3 years later.
“The operation that is needed will initially cost £10,000 with an added £3,000 when the bars are removed.
“Joshua is 16 years old and has a massive interest in all things sport. He is planning on starting a sports course next September with the intention of working within the industry. Joshua’s condition has now reached the stage where he feels that it is holding him back as his symptoms are becoming persistently worse. If we are able to fund this operation, Joshua would benefit greatly as it will eliminate his symptoms, improve his heart and lung function and enable him to pursue his passion in sport.”
The family have already raised 35% of the total. If you are able to make a donation please go to www.justgiving.com
