Granddad creates incredible rocket ship bed for brave Leeds boy on organ waiting list who dreams of becoming astronaut

Patrick Askham, 5, was born at 35 weeks with an illness called gastroschisis - a condition where the bowels and other organs are on the outside of the abdomen.

Unfortunately Patrick’s bowels were so matted at birth that once they were placed back inside him, they had to be removed just a few weeks later - leaving him with a short bowel.

Brave Patrick has battled through countless hospital appointments and trips to theatre during his short life so far.

Due to his extremely short bowel, Patrick's own remaining 9cm bowel is unable to absorb any nutrients so he is artificially fed via a broviac line which goes directly into his heart.

The decision was made to place Patrick on the donor registry for a Bowel transplant in 2018 and in December he received his first gift of life.

However, Patrick's body went in to severe rejection within 9 days and he developed PTLD - post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder - a type of cancer to lymph nodes.

He has now been left with no bowel due to his advanced condition.

During a recent hospital stay, Patrick was glued to the television for a NASA launch streamed live across the world.

Following the launch, Patrick asked his granddad Garry if he could have a rocket ship bed.

Garry took on the challenge and with help from the rest of the family, created an incredible bed - complete with decals and slide.

Patrick's mum Michelle told the Yorkshire Evening Post: "Patrick was in hospital during the rocket launch that took place recently.

"He watched it with his dad and became really excited by space and astronauts, he now wants to be one.

"He then asked his granddad in passing if he could make him a rocket ship and my dad took on the challenge!"

Patrick loves his new bed and has been pictured using the new slide with a beaming smile.

The family's efforts have been praised on social media, as hundreds took to a Facebook page about Patrick to show their support.