A young Scottish rugby fan recovering from a serious kidney illness has received a timely boost from Scotland 7s and Glasgow Warriors and Hawks player Mike Adamson.

David Adamson, 15, was recovering from the devastating effects of an unknown kidney virus in his home in South Africa when he spotted his name-sake run out for Scotland 7s at the Edinburgh leg of the global Emirates Airline 7s series.

The youngster couldn't believe his ears and immediately set his heart on meeting the player at the South Africa leg of the global tournament the following year.

Davids dad, John, said: "When David heard the name Adamson being mentioned during the sevens tournament his eyes nearly popped out of his head. So I wrote to Scottish Rugby to see if there was anything they could do.

I could not believe it when I received the email telling me they were going to send one of his jerseys from the 7s tournament. I was still shaking when I was writing the email in reply.

David is absolutely over the moon. I just couldnt believe it. It meant so much to him."

Two years ago David became seriously ill with what appeared to be flu however over the next two days his condition deteriorated severely.

Davids family rushed him to hospital where he was admitted after a full check-up revealed that his blood pressure was a dangerously high 160/120.

Several blood tests revealed that he had contracted an unknown virus which had damaged both of his kidneys and despite undergoing a kidney biopsy the results could not determine what had caused the damage.

Normally a child is put to sleep for this procedure however the young rugby player opted to remain awake. Despite his brave efforts to this day David and his family are still without an answer to what caused the damage to his kidneys.

Naturally his family and medical professionals were hesitant for David to continue playing any sport, however under good advice from his doctor, David was given the go ahead and is on a very low protein and sodium diet to combat his kidney ailment and allow him to continue his favourite pastime, rugby.

Father, John Adamson, added: The damage caused to his kidneys means that that they do not filter properly and as a result he is on a low protein and salt diet which seriously limits his food options

David said: "When my father told me that the jersey worn by Michael Adamson during the IRB 7s tournament was going to be sent to me I couldn't believe it. To Michael Adamson and Scottish Rugby a very big thank you I really appreciate it.

I hope one day I may also be able to hand over my own jersey to a rugby player somewhere in the world. I also hope that at next season's tournament in South Africa I get to meet Michael Adamson so I may thank him personally."

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This article was posted on 30-Jul-2008, 07:32 by Hugh Barrow.