BUTE’S Xavier Cock has returned to his family’s farm after 467 days in hospital.

Xavier, 13, was diagnosed with Vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, which is characterised by fragile body parts, in 2017.

Despite not having any serious issues following his initial diagnosis, Xavier was found to have a perforated bowel and sepsis in September 2020.

He spent the next eight weeks at Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Adelaide, before returning home. Xavier was rushed back to hospital with severe stomach pains just two days before Christmas 2020.

His body then had issues healing due to the sepsis infection and connective tissue fragility.

A second surgery almost a year later helped Xavier’s body to heal far better.

The next six months of Xavier’s life were filled with visits from doctors, physio and occupational therapists, before usually finishing off his days on the Xbox with his brothers Albert and Oscar, and friends from home.

Xavier’s mother Krystal said her family had its share of dark days, but many more good ones along the way.

“The first time X (Xavier) was allowed out of hospital was on Christmas Day 2021, so we had a family lunch in the park across the road,” she said.

“(For Xavier) it was the little things like seeing cars and trees and smelling fresh air again.

“He had the best group of physios whose friendly banter was the highlight of his day.

“Our team became like a family, and we will miss them although we don’t want to see them anytime soon.

“We had many meals from the Cathedral Hotel and the staff looked after us like family, while Ronald McDonald House was our home away from home.”

Krystal said they met several other families were also enduring tough times.

“It’s definitely an eye-opener to see how many sick kids come in and out of the hospital every day,” she said.

“We are very lucky with the team of specialists available in Adelaide.”

Xavier has continued his rehabilitation program at home, where he has been working with his physios remotely to strengthen his muscles.

“Since being home for a week, X is already a lot happier in moving around, doing his own thing and not having the nurses to answer to!” Krystal said.

“We have been so overwhelmed with the community support, from the X Man Fundraiser Big Bash Cricket Day (last year which raised more than $40,000), to friends cooking us meals and helping to look after our other boys and the farm.

“Seeing Xavier finally home has been amazing.

“We take so much for granted and definitely need to remember to appreciate the small things.”