A young patient who has been under hospital care for years has described a hospital youth worker as a lifeline.

Waqar Taref, who is 30 and lives in Slough, has undergone multiple surgical procedures and received long-term treatment at Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

He believes his recovery and mental wellbeing are largely due to the help he has received from youth worker Daley Cross.

Mr Cross, who works in the transplant unit at the Churchill Hospital, has been supporting Mr Taref for six years during what have been some of the most challenging periods of his life.

Mr Taref said Daley had completely changed his life, treating him respectfully and showing genuine concern for his wellbeing, adding that without this support he would not be who he is today. He described feeling heard, valued and respected. Mr Cross had helped him attend hospital appointments, take his medication and look after himself. He said Mr Cross had been a lifeline to him and was exceptional at his job.

Mr Taref’s medical history began with a heart transplant just before he turned six. During his teenage years, he suffered a stroke that affected his speech and confidence. After developing further medical problems, he received a kidney transplant at the Churchill Hospital in June 2020. Shortly after the operation, he experienced early rejection and required intensive treatment, though he eventually improved. Long-term steroid use to protect both his heart and kidney caused avascular necrosis in both hip joints, leading to two hip replacement surgeries.

Despite these significant health challenges, Mr Taref has remained optimistic, crediting much of his resilience to Mr Cross’s consistent support.

Mr Cross has spent a decade working at Oxford University Hospitals and helps young people living with chronic kidney disease both before and after transplantation. His support for Mr Taref included regular monthly conversations, help with transport, home visits and encouragement to join peer-support groups. Mr Cross also helped Mr Taref successfully appeal a Personal Independence Payment decision, which Mr Taref said greatly improved his mental health and stability.

Mr Cross said establishing trust with young people managing complex, often lifelong health conditions was central to his role. He explained that being outside the clinical team could help young people feel more comfortable and understood, which positively affected their engagement with treatment. He said seeing the beneficial effects this approach had on young patients and their overall wellbeing was extremely fulfilling.

Professor Sir Jonathan Montgomery, chair of Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, recognised both Mr Taref and Mr Cross during a recent board meeting. He said Mr Taref’s story was deeply touching and highlighted the difference personalised support could make. The trust admired Mr Taref’s courage and determination, and was grateful for colleagues like Daley who embodied the trust’s values every day.