Davey is 12 years old and has complex needs. He is neurodivergent and has a rare chromosome deletion (17p13.2). He loves gaming and animals, but his biggest passion has always been football. Being part of his U13 team gives him confidence, routine, and joy.

A few months ago, Davey noticed a lump on his chest. After seeing our GP, he was diagnosed with pectus carinatum, also known as “pigeon chest.” This is a genetic chest wall deformity where the breastbone and ribs grow outward, causing the chest to protrude. It often becomes more noticeable during puberty and is most commonly seen in boys aged 12–18.

As Davey grows, his chest is becoming increasingly prominent, and he is already very aware that he looks different from his peers. While pectus carinatum is often wrongly labelled as “cosmetic,” it is a real physical condition that can affect posture, breathing, stamina, and — most importantly for Davey — mental health. Many young people experience anxiety, low self-esteem, and bullying because of this condition. Davey already has diagnosed anxiety and OCD, so we are extremely concerned about the long-term impact if it is left untreated.

We were given two options:

Leave it untreated and risk the condition worsening, or

Fund treatment privately through surgery or a non-surgical chest brace

The brace is the recommended first-line treatment for children and adolescents. It is worn for up to 23 hours a day for around a year and works by gently applying pressure to guide the chest to grow inward correctly. The consultant has confirmed it can be removed for football training and matches, allowing Davey to continue playing the sport he loves.

As a family, we feel this is the best and least invasive option, particularly for Davey’s physical and mental well-being. Unfortunately, the NHS has refused to provide the brace, stating it is “cosmetic.” We strongly disagree. This is about protecting our son’s mental health and preventing long-term harm.

The total cost of the brace is £4,000, which includes monthly adjustments and monitoring. A £3,000 upfront payment is required before the custom-made brace can be ordered. As parents, it is heartbreaking to know the treatment exists but is currently out of reach financially. We cannot order the brace until it is paid for in full.

We are asking for any help you can give — no matter how small. Every donation and share brings us closer to getting Davey the treatment he needs, allowing him to feel comfortable in his own body and continue playing football with his team.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read Davey’s story and for any support you can offer. Please consider sharing to help us give Davey the future he deserves. ❤️

7.5% of all donations to Tree of Hope in relation to this appeal will be allocated to the general charitable purposes of Tree of Hope to cover our core operating costs.

If we raise insufficient funds, or surplus funds, they will be used, if appropriate, to fund support for our child’s needs in accordance with Tree of Hope’s charitable objectives. If, in those circumstances, we are unable to use all or part of the funds for the benefit of our child, any funds that cannot be used will be transferred to be used for the general charitable purposes of Tree of Hope.