Hackney boy with rare blood disorder meets paralympian at swimming academy
Srdjan Milivojevic pictured with Paralympic swimmer Jack Bridge at Ironmonger Row Swimming Baths. Both Jack and Srdjan have haemophilia. Picture: Mark Waugh - Credit: mark waugh . net
An 11-year-old boy with a rare bleeding disorder had the chance to meet a Paralympian athlete at a unique swimming academy for boys with the condition.
Srdjan Milivojevic, who lives in Hackney, suffers from haemophilia and was put forward to attend The Buddy Award Swimming Academy, hosted by swimmer Jack Bridge, at Finsbury’s Ironmonger Row baths.
The athlete, who holds six British swimming records and also has severe haemophilia, took part in a question and answer session with 24 boys.
The specially tailored day also featured coaching and advice from physiotherapists.
Srdjan’s mum Sanja accompanied him to the Academy at the baths, in Norman Street.
She said: “Srdjan was over the moon to be nominated for the Swimming Academy and he had an amazing day.
“Having a rare disease that many people don’t understand can be quite isolating, so the opportunity to have a fun day with other boys in the same position was one Srdjan wouldn’t have missed for the world.
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“The icing on the cake was meeting Jack, a world-class athlete who hasn’t let haemophilia hold him back.”
Around 6,000 in the UK have haemophilia, a genetic condition that can cause bleeding into joints and muscles, resulting in very painful symptoms that can damage joints over time.
