Patient praises youth worker for life‑changing support after years of major surgery

A patient who has undergone multiple major surgeries has said he "wouldn’t be the person I am today" without the "brilliant" support of an Oxford University Hospitals youth worker.

Waqar Taref described Daley Cross, who works in the Transplant team based at the Churchill Hospital, as a "lifeline" for the exceptional personalised support he has received over the past six years.

Thirty-year-old Waqar, from Slough, has faced more medical challenges than many people will experience in a lifetime.

Despite multiple major surgeries – including a heart transplant, kidney transplant and two hip replacements – he says Daley's compassionate and consistent support has transformed his ability to stay confident and well.

Waqar's health journey began with a heart transplant shortly before his sixth birthday, carried out at another NHS trust. As a teenager, he suffered a stroke that affected his speech and confidence. Years later, complications from his heart transplant meant he needed a kidney transplant, which he received at the Churchill in June 2020.

Six weeks after the transplant, he experienced early rejection and required intensive treatment but made a strong recovery. However, the steroids needed to protect both his heart and kidney led to avascular necrosis – a condition where bone tissue dies because it stops receiving an adequate blood supply – in both hips.

This resulted in two major hip replacement surgeries at the Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre, first in 2022 and most recently in 2025. He has also developed secondary diabetes linked to his immunosuppression medication.

Despite this extraordinary series of challenges, Waqar spoke at the Trust's Board meeting in March to share his story.

He remains optimistic, motivated and focused on his health – something he attributes significantly to Daley, who has supported him since shortly after his kidney transplant in 2020.

"Daley has made a huge difference to my life," Waqar said. "He was respectful, he cared about me, and I wouldn’t be the person I am today without his support. He made me feel heard, appreciated, and valued. He's helped ensure that I go to my medical appointments, take my medication, and take care of myself. He's been a lifeline to me – he's just brilliant at what he does."

Daley has worked at OUH for 10 years and supports young people living with chronic kidney disease both before and after transplant. For Waqar, that support has included monthly check‑ins, help arranging transport to appointments, home visits when needed, and encouragement to join peer‑support activities such as the Renal Young Adults Clinic social events and a fantasy football league programme.

He has also been a powerful advocate for Waqar, helping him successfully appeal a Personal Independence Payment (PIP) decision – a result that Waqar said had a profound impact on his mental wellbeing and stability.

Daley told the Board that supporting young people through significant and often lifelong health conditions is central to his role.

He said: "As a youth worker, my role is to build trust and support young people as they navigate complex, often lifelong health conditions. Being someone outside the clinical team can help young people feel more comfortable and understood, which makes a real difference to their engagement with care.

"Seeing the positive impact this approach has on young patients and their wellbeing is incredibly rewarding."

Board members thanked Waqar for his openness and courage in sharing his story and praised Daley for the exceptional care and compassion he has shown.

Trust Chair Professor Sir Jonathan Montgomery said: "Waqar's story is incredibly moving and a powerful reminder of the difference personalised support can make. We are proud of Waqar’s strength and resilience, and very grateful to colleagues like Daley who embody the values of our Trust every day."