Boy whose throat didn't connect to stomach at birth takes penalty challenge across Scotland

An eight-year-old boy is taking on a penalty shoot‑out challenge at 28 Scottish football stadiums to raise money for the Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity.

Noah Kerr has spent much of his life in and out of hospital after being born prematurely with tracheoesophageal fistula – a rare condition in which the oesophagus does not connect to the stomach, causing serious swallowing difficulties.

He underwent emergency surgery within the first 24 hours of his life before spending three months in neonatal care, followed by years of regular hospital visits.

Noah was born with a rare birth defect STV News

Now aged eight, Noah is halfway through his mission to take five penalties at stadiums across the country – from Inverness to Edinburgh – in the lead‑up to Scotland’s World Cup campaign.

A devoted Hibernian fan, he has already ticked off Easter Road, where he took a penalty in front of supporters at half‑time.

“it was amazing – in front of tons of fans at half-time. It was a dream came true,” he told STV News.

“My goal is to get Hampden.”

Noah has spent much of his life in and out of hospital STV News

Born nine weeks prematurely, Noah is raising money for the charity that supported him and his family during the most difficult early months of his life.

“Apparently I had ten surgeries – I pushed through it and pushed through it,” he said.

“The hospital has helped me a lot, so why don’t I help them?”

Noah spent much of his first two years in hospital and continues to attend regularly due to ongoing breathing conditions. He uses a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine at night and lives with tracheomalacia and severe bronchomalacia.

Despite the challenges, his determination has never wavered.

His mum, Rachael Kerr, recalled the fear of not knowing whether her newborn baby would survive.

Noah hopes to give back to hospital that saved his life STV News

“He was so little to go through such a big surgery – they had to cut him open,” she said. “But he’s here, and he’s absolutely brilliant.

“When he gets a cold, it hits him hard, but apart from that he lives like a normal eight‑year‑old boy. He loves life – football, cycling, running and boxing.”

She said she is “immensely proud” of Noah.

“His drive to help people is insane. For him, this challenge is incredible – hours spent at football matches, putting his two loves together to raise money and visit stadiums,” she said.

“The fact everyone is supporting him, and letting him come along, is amazing. He’s loving life.”

Noah’s fundraiser can be found on GoFundMe.