A selection of previous appeals
A Jiraffe Jenx Standz Standing Frame for A 6 year old boy
He was diagnosed at birth with nonketotic hyperglycinaemia (NKH)1. dislocated hips,
infrequent bladder emptying (which causes pain), severe development delay, he has frequent multiple seizures, is gastrostomy fed, and is nonverbal.
He has a significant metabolic condition with a very limited movement and would greatly benefits from a standing frame to ensure that he retains the best possible position he can for his legs and hips to maintain some semblance of strength.
The standing frame we are hoping to supply him with is a Standz: Abduction stander complete with all accessories.
Stock Image
This is a versatile standing system offering Prone or Supine standing that accommodates abducted or neutral leg positioning for children. Inspired by the clinical benefits of abducted standing and created alongside therapists and carers all over the world ensures the perfect combination of clinical positioning with simplicity to use.
Leg length discrepancy is easily accommodated by the individual control for knee and foot positioning, and all adjustments are tool free to enable quick and effective clinical postural adjustments.
With an extensive range of accessories, Standz can accommodate children with a range of postural requirements.
The total price including accessories is £3,612.00
1NKH is a disorder characterized by abnormally high levels of a molecule called glycine in the body (hyperglycinemia). The excess glycine builds up in tissues and organs, particularly the brain. Affected individuals have serious neurological problems. (NKH) is a genetic condition that can lead to serious neurological problems, coma, and death. “Hyperglycinemia” refers to abnormally high levels of a molecule, glycine. The word “nonketotic” distinguishes NKH from certain other health conditions that can cause increased glycine. The condition is also sometimes called "glycine encephalopathy," meaning a disease that damages the brain.
UPDATE ON ALEX'S STANDZ
We have now purchased Alex a Standz: Abduction stander complete with all accessories.
This will help Alex tremendously as it will help him with his legs and hips to help him maintain some of his strength,.
Alex will also be able to track movements and objects when in the standing frame at school.
Toby
We are seeking £9,291.50 towards supplying a Top End Eliminator NRG Carbon Hybrid Racing Chair for a young child named Toby aged 13 who has Functional Neurological Disorder (FND), Spinal Cord Injury (SPI) and still has 30% Cancer wrapped around his spinal cord.
In June of 2021, Toby's world was turned upside down. Initially complaining of backache, he was referred for physiotherapy.
Toby loved sports, especially rugby, playing in his local Under 11s team, so aches and bruises were nothing unusual. However, a couple of weeks later, Toby struggled to stand, his condition rapidly deteriorated and within a short time, had completely lost control of his lower body and was rushed to Great Western Hospital in Swindon. An emergency MRI scan revealed a previously undetected tumour, which had developed in and around Toby’s spinal cord and spanned two-thirds the length of his spine, he was immediately blue-lighted to the John Radcliffe Hospital for specialist attention where surgeons took the decision to perform emergency surgery.
This involved removing sections of vertebrae from Toby’s spine to relieve the pressure on the spinal cord, after the gruelling 8-hour operation, they removed 70% of the tumour but felt that the remaining 30% was too risky to touch. After the operation, Toby spent 3 months’ rehabilitation in hospital and has defied the original long-term prognosis that he would never regain the use of his legs. Toby’s determination and mental courage combined with excellent care from his family and hospital staff, saw him gradually rebuild his strength, everyone in his neuro, rehab teams and family were absolutely blown away when he took his first steps. All concerned were incredibly moved with his positive mental attitude and mind set.
As soon as Toby arrived back home, he immediately started searching to see what sports were best suited to him. As he had previously played rugby the obvious choice to start with was wheelchair rugby, he then joined his local club which folded and now plays competitively for the Solent Sharks and is also in the team GB youth development program.
He then received a zoom call from Nathan Maguire, the world-renowned British wheelchair racer who has won multiple medals at both the 2018 and 2021 World Para Athletic, European Championships, and has also won 400 mixed class races at multiple British Athletics Champion ships. Whilst chatting, Nathan showed Toby some of his gold medals, that zoom call truly changed Toby’s life as it drove him to take up the sport himself, he has since raced and competed in regular local competitions and now holds 2 junior gold medals for Wiltshire in both the 100m and 200m wheelchair races. His main goal is to compete at the next Commonwealth games.
He is registered with the Avon Youth League and is trained by a professional Para coach who is aiming to take Toby to the next level.
Toby is currently using a club owned race training wheelchair constructed from metal which because of its weight and design affects his ability to reach his potential top speeds.
Toby’s long-term aspiration is to become part of the GB Paralympian Team and participate in racing wheelchair events around the world, to help him achieve his aims we have agreed to help fund a Top Eliminator NRG Racing Wheelchair which is Top End’s fastest, lightest, stiffest, and most responsive ride available designed for elite racers seeking to be at the top of the podium. A carbon fibre main frame provides increased tensile and yield strength, giving racers a smooth ride and controlled handling while the 200-gram full carbon fork features an aerodynamic design that flows into the headtube, creating clean lines for a sleek appearance. A tailored and fitted hybrid cage gives athletes the ability to fine tune their positioning, so they can optimize their power.
The total cost for this is £9,291.50. This chair is designed to take Toby’s career into adulthood and the only thing that will need changing would be the seating as he grows.
Sensory Equipment for Frankie
Frankie, who was prematurely born and has Down Syndrome, Spinal Hyperextension, Hyper-Mobile Joints, and Lower Muscle Tone.
Because Frankie has a diagnosis of Down’s Syndrome, she is fully assisted with all aspects of her self-care and daily living at home with her mother. Frankie is under the care of a pediatrician, social services, GP, health visitor, physiotherapist and is on a waiting list for further investigation around her swallowing via Speech and Language Therapy.
Because of her conditions Frankie must have a trained Portage home visitor each week to share ideas with her mother on how to stimulate her development and to discuss play and learning activities. Together they decide how to break down certain skill into small, easily taught steps, which are then practised between visits.
Because of the above her occupational therapist highly recommends that Frankie has a safe and peaceful space where she can have sensory inputs.
We have been provided with a list from her occupational therapist of the specialised sensory equipment that would best suit Frankie’s needs.
The list contains a total of seven items and the costing for theses including VAT and carriage is £1318.37.
They are a translucent shape kit, a light up table, a toddler crawling soft play, a sensory soft play, a mirrored tuff mat, a diffraction box and a learn well diffraction tube drum.
What are the benefits of sensory rooms? Children gain access to appropriate sensory stimulation and their bodies respond appropriately to their stimulation. Sensory rooms can enhance learning through occupational therapy (OT), which engages different areas of the brain, leading to information retention. Time is a sensory room helps children with their visual, auditory, and tactile processing, as well as fine and gross motor skills. By providing a sense of calm and comfort, sensory rooms help children learn to self-regulate their behaviours, which ultimately improves focus. Sensory play can help to strengthen brain development, enhance memory and ability to complete more complex tasks, as well as helping to improve hand to eye coordination.
We are seeking help with the funding for the electric wheelchair for Jensen.
Jensen is 9 years old and was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy at 9 months.
He is a full-time wheelchair user and currently has a manual wheelchair, he is dependent on other people to push him to wherever he needs to go, it is becoming frustrating for him, especially at school because most of the time he is on his own while his friends are playing out, he so much wants to interact with his friends and an electric wheelchair would give him the opportunity to do so in addition to giving him a new lease of life His Christmas wish this year is to have an electric wheelchair that he so desperately needs.
Having an electric wheelchair would allow him the opportunity to interact and play with his friends
The cost of the Wheelchair is £1649.00
UPDATE ON JENSEN'S ELECTRIC POWERED WHEELCHAIR
Jensen has gained his independance now, thanks to his Electric powered wheelchair that he has received.
A special thank you to
The Kyte Charitable Trust
and
The Burghley Family Trust
Sensory Equipment for a young girl called Rhona.
Rhona has Sensory Process Disorder and a learning disability. Her cognitive development is currently 8-20 months. She is now just over 5 years old so has quite a significant learning delay. Rhona cannot communicate her wants and needs, she does not show any indication of knowing her own name and never tries to instigate play with anyone. Rhona likes to jump and throw herself around, she likes to spin and loves flashing lights. Her parents want to create a safe environment in which she can enjoy time getting sensory feedback and exploring her senses to enhance her learning and development. Rhona has also had to be taken out of her wooden cot as she kept chewing it and getting splinters in her mouth. She was sleeping on a soft play bed but has now outgrown it. She is currently sleeping on a mattress on her bedroom floor.
To help her be more comfortable and to receive much needed sensory inputs we are hoping to supply her with the sensory items requested and a suitable bed for her to spend her nights in.
The sensory items we have agreed on are a sensory den, sensory lights, a wobble and cushions, vibrating snake, a whizzy dizzy, lycra sheet swing, a mud kitchen, ball pool and a soft play material bed. Some of the sensory items requested are also for outdoor use as Rhona enjoys being in the open air.
The sensory equipment and a suitable bed would cost £2,275.00 to supply.
A computer for a 14-year-old boy
We are wanting to purchase a computer, printer and computer desk for a young boy who suffers from PTSD and Anxiety
He also suffers from Asperger’s Syndrome which is a form of Autism that is a developmental disorder. Young people with Asperger's Syndrome have a difficult time relating to others socially and their behaviour and thinking patterns can be rigid and repetitive. Because of his condition he also suffers with severe anxiety.
Despite his situation he is very bright, and his memory bank is excellent, unfortunately he does worry and over stress on some aspects of his schoolwork. His care worker and form teacher feel it is fundamentally important that he has a computer set up at home to help with his workload.
HELPING FAMILIES WITH THE COST OF LIVING
There are currently many families facing high levels of child poverty in the UK, and for the first time in almost two decades child poverty has started to rise in absolute terms. Child poverty is associated with a wide range of health-damaging impacts, negative educational outcomes, and adverse long-term social and psychological outcomes. The poor health associated with child poverty limits children's potential and development, leading to poor health and life chances in adulthood.
Due to the very serious situation with the cost of living we are currently receiving an unprecedented amount of requests from families that are not managing. None more so than those with children suffering from a multitude of ailments that must use medical equipment that use electric. Such as power Wheelchairs, Ventilators, Oxygen Concentrators, Infusions, Chair Lifts, Nebulizers, Suction Pumps, Dialysis machines and more. Many of these devices are lifesaving, so the thought of being without them is frightening.
We also assist underprivileged and poverty-stricken families with children living on the borderline. We firmly believe that every child has the right not to feel excluded from normal day to day activities and be able to take part in pursuits that others may see as normal. We supply clothing/school uniforms and items such as iPads and other equipment.
We have decided to make small regular grants to some of the above families finding it difficult to survive. These may be used towards utility bills, food, clothing, school meals and any other concerns they find difficulty in meeting. All families must meet our criteria and provide proof as to why they need assistance, as well as to confirm that the grant will be used for the purpose it was applied for. All families that apply are means tested and must provide evidence of their annual Benefits Award. All grants Awarded will be paid directly into their utility accounts and where possible vouchers for goods required.
We cannot possibly put a figure on this simply because we have never come across the sheer desperation we are finding in these troublesome times. Any grant awarded towards this project would be gratefully appreciated, well received, and fairly distributed.
Horticultural project based in South Devon
We recently purchased a Mobility Scooter for a horticultural project based in South Devon, we are now seeking funding to help some of the disabled children that regularly visit the site to participate even further by supplying amongst other items, several raised wooden growing beds. This will allow them to be involved with all aspects of planting without having to sit on ground sheets on the floor.
We are also hoping to supply the site with safe to use gardening implements such as trowels, forks, rakes, spades, and watering cans. These are all made from plastic and have no sharp edges, to help keep their tools within easy reach we would also like to supply small tool bags and wellington boots to help navigate the field when muddy.
The project provides space and services for all children, inclusive of those at a disadvantage in some way in society.to learn about plants.
The children are mostly neurodiverse with additional needs.
On site, there is a ramped building and fully accessible toilet and shower, the space is perfect for children to rest and recuperate, it is in a beautiful setting in the heart of rural south Devon, it has an orchard, new strawbale barn and growing spaces.
There is a programme of land and plant therapy and play based activities in the making.
All the trees are planted now on this small, highly productive speck of space, half of the 2 hectares is a border of 1,700 of 11 mixed species, within this there is an orchard of locally sourced fruit trees and community growing spaces for herbs and dye plants.
The project caters for children visiting from several areas including Torquay, Paignton, Brixham, Plymouth, Totness, Dartington, South Brent, Buckfastleigh, Ashburton and are now looking to extend as far afield as Exeter.
Lockdown was incredibly tough on all children, but even more so for those who are clinically vulnerable and have spent very little time outdoors.
This project will give them the opportunity to have the chance to connect with the land, learn about the environment and help sustain their natural world which is invaluable and a treat to see.
Due to the size and the layout of the site, children who need to use a wheelchair find some parts inaccessible, the Mobility Scooter is an all-terrain chair which will allow them to access the whole site and be able to participate in all activities and projects.
The total cost of the items listed is £3759.00 we have to date secured £1000.00 towards this appeal which leaves us with a shortfall of £2759.00
UPDATE ON THE CHILDREN'S HORTICULTURAL PROJECT IN DEVON
This project provides space and services for children to learn about plants, in addition to offering services for all children, inclusive of those at a disadvantage in some way in society.
The children are mostly neurodiverse with additional needs.
On site, there is a ramped building and fully accessible toilet and shower.
This space is perfect for children to rest, recuperate and learn.
It is in a beautiful setting in the heart of rural south Devon, it has an orchard, new strawbale barn and growing spaces.
The area is surrounded by a young woodland with views across hills, and the site is dedicated to increasing biodiversity and human wellbeing.
There is a programme of land and plant therapy and play based activities on site. All the trees are now planted on this small, highly productive speck of space, half of the 2 hectares is a border of 1,700 of 11 mixed species, within this there is an orchard of locally sourced fruit trees and community growing spaces for herbs and dye plants.
The project caters for children visiting from several areas including Torquay, Paignton, Brixham, Plymouth, Totness, Dartington, South Brent, Buckfastleigh, Ashburton and are now looking to extend as far afield as Exeter.
This project gives children the opportunity to have the chance to connect with the land, learn about the environment and help sustain their natural world which is invaluable and a treat to see.
As some areas are inaccessible with a standard wheelchair, we have supplied them with an all-terrain Mobility Scooter, this will help children that are wheelchairs users gain full access to the entire site and be able to participate in all activities and projects on offer. We also provided funding towards safe to use gardening implements, wellington boots and wooden raised beds so the disabled children that attend can access their planting plots safely and more comfortable.
The site is now designing a plan for the children to also be able to grow vegetables alongside the orchard, this will help to educate the children about the full cycle of planting, nurturing, growing, and harvesting their own foods. In the long term the children will eat healthier, have fun and be able to take this knowledge home and hopefully educate others. With the cost-of-living crises this could be beneficial to so many
A Computer for Benjamin
We are seeking funding towards the purchasing a computer for Benjamin.
Benjamin is 9 years old, from the Borough of Wirral, he suffers from ASD ADHD ARFID and Dyspraxia, repetitive behaviour and lacks safety awareness and danger, he also has hyper-activity and is very active in play.
He also has difficulty in speaking and answering questions, and gets stuck on words, repeats himself and stutters. He also has no social awareness, and his understanding is very low.
Because of his learning and development, he is behind his peers at school and therefore his mum and teachers would like us to purchase a computer to help with both his school and homework.
They also believe a computer will help with his social skills and help him to feel less isolated, The cost of the computer is £399.00
Rosemary Assistance Dog
Rosemary has spent the last 5 years predominantly in hospital, she suffers from Autism Spectrum disorder, PTSD, amongst others, her health professionals believe that an assistance dog would give her the opportunity to become more independent and suffer less anxiety which in turn will help her to develop and improve her social skills and ease her into the community without adult support and because she is autistic change and the unknown can be really hard for Rosemary.
Rosemary would like an assistance Autism Dog to help her with her everyday life.
The cost of the assistance dog, including training and ongoing training is £7500.00
Hydrotherapy for Nicola
We are seeking funding towards twenty physiotherapy and hydrotherapy sessions for a young girl named Nicola aged 10 from Brighton. She has Juvenile pilocytic astrocytoma (JPA) which is a rare childhood brain tumour. In most cases, the tumour is a benign, slow growing tumour that usually does not spread to surrounding brain tissue. Symptoms of a JPA will vary depending upon the size and location of the tumour. Most symptoms result from increased pressure on the brain and include headaches, nausea, vomiting, balance problems and vision abnormalities.
Nicola had to undergo further brain surgery at the renowned Great Ormand Street Hospital in January of this year. Before the procedure she was receiving speech and language therapy but unfortunately her speech has started to slur again.
To help further her recovery her medical team have decided that Nicola should have physio and hydrotherapy sessions to help with her balance, co-ordination, strength, and various other conditions.
Because of the waiting list and time delay on the NHS it has been decided that the best possible solution for her is to have these sessions booked privately.
Each Hydrotherapy Session costs £90.00, and the cost of each Physio Session is the same. We have agreed to fund 20 sessions of both, which will hopefully place Nicola’s abilities and condition to where they were before her latest operation.
The total cost for this is £3,600.
Sensory Equipment for Benjamin
We are seeking funding towards the purchasing of sensory equipment for Benjamin aged 9, from the Borough of Wirral, who has Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) which is a developmental disability caused by differences in the brain. People with ASD often have problems with social communication and interaction, and restricted or repetitive behaviours or interests. People with ASD may also have different ways of learning, moving, or paying attention.
He also has Avoidant restrictive food intake disorder, more commonly known as ARFID, is a condition characterised by the person avoiding certain foods or types of food, having restricted intake in terms of overall amount eaten, or both. Someone might be avoiding and/or restricting their intake for several different reasons.
As well as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a condition that affects people's behaviour. People with ADHD can seem restless, may have trouble concentrating and may act on impulse.
Benjamin’s doctor has stated that these conditions cause him to have repetitive behaviour, lack of awareness of safety and surroundings, has hyperactivity which causes him to be very active in play. He also has difficulty in speaking and answering questions, and gets stuck on words, repeats himself and stutters. He also has no social awareness, and his understanding is very low.
Because of the above it has been agreed that the best possible result for Benjamin is for him to have a safe space for his activities using sensory equipment.
Benjamin really benefits from sensory input and relates to his family, friends, and environment much easier. Once he has had a sensory input it makes a massive improvement to his general wellbeing, his speech and sleep patterns. His parents have a spare room that they will be converting into a sensory space and only need the equipment to be supplied to complete it. His doctor, therapist and social worker have put a list of sensory items together that will best suit Benjamin’s needs.
The total cost of the equipment including VAT and carriage is £1,181.46p
S-Max Sella Stairclimber
S-Max Sella Stairclimber with integrated armrest and seat for a 15-year-old boy.He is a full-time wheelchair user due to a progressive muscle weakness and joint stiffness disease, the stairlifter will allow him access to areas with greater ease.
We are aiming to raise £5000.00 for this project
Tramper TWS Krystal ‘Utility’ Mobility Scooter We are currently seeking assistance towards the purchase of a Tramper TWS Krystal ‘Utility’ Mobility Scooter for a horticultural project based in South DevonThe project provides space and services for children to learn about plants, in addition to offering services for all children, inclusive of those at a disadvantage in some way in society. The children are mostly neurodiverse with additional needs.On site, there is a ramped building and fully accessible toilet and shower.This space is perfect for children to rest and recuperate. it is in a beautiful setting in the heart of rural south Devon, it has an orchard, new strawbale barn and growing spaces. The area is surrounded by a young woodland with views across hills, and the site is dedicated to increasing biodiversity and human wellbeing. There is a programme of land and plant therapy and play based activities in the making.All the trees are planted now on this small, highly productive speck of space, half of the 2 hectares is a border of 1,700 of 11 mixed species, within this there is an orchard of locally sourced fruit trees and community growing spaces for herbs and dye plants.The project caters for children visiting from several areas including Torquay, Paignton, Brixham, Plymouth, Totness, Dartington, South Brent, Buckfastleigh, Ashburton and are now looking to extend as far afield as Exeter.Lockdown has been incredibly tough on all children, but even more so for those who are clinically vulnerable and have spent very little time outdoors.This project will give them the opportunity to have the chance to connect with the land, learn about the environment and help sustain their natural world which is invaluable and a treat to see. Due to the size and the layout of the site, children who need to use a wheelchair find some parts inaccessible, the TWS Krystal ‘Utility’ Mobility Scooter is an all-terrain chair which will allow them to access the whole site and be able to participate in all activities and projects. The cost of the mobility scooter including VAT and carriage is £6,500. £2,500 of funding has been achieved which leaves a shortfall of £4,000.
SENSORY ROOM FOR CRUZ
We would like to build a sensory room for a young boy who has congenital heart disease, dysmorphic features, nonverbal autism and has Asperger’s syndrome. At 8 weeks old he needed and had to have open heart surgery. In addition, he has also had to undergo 3 lots of plastic surgery on his feet and still requires more.
He is also due to have a gastrostomy to put a feeding peg in his tummy and also wears orthotic boots. On an average day, he has 7 + meltdowns, he self-harms himself and others. He has a lot of sensory issues, he’s nonverbal so doesn’t communicate, he doesn’t eat or drink and get the right nutrients and the family are desperately hoping that the feeding peg will help. As he is nonverbal, he cannot communicate to explain or show you what he wants, he strikes out and has great difficulty out and about as he doesn’t like noises etc.
A sensory room would be a massive improvement for him and his family as he would have his own sensory space away from his 5 other sibling and mum is hoping that it will help him start to communicate. As there is limited space inside the property, we would need to purchase an outbuilding.
CRUZ UPDATE
After many months of hard work and preparation, Cruz's mum and dad have now got the sensory room that cruise so desperately needed. The sensory room is fitted out with a sensory light up table, fibre optic tails, a sensory carpet, a sensory rug, a ball pool, sift play equipment, sensory mirror, sensory chair, and sensory toys.
This space will be life changing for Cruz, his siblings, and his parents.
Thank you Everybody
HEARING DOG FOR NICOWe wish to purchase a hearing dog to for a young girl that has become deaf, suffers from Autism, Sensory processing disorder (SPD), Dyslexia, Asthma, IBS and Hypermobility, Severe Anxiety issues and anxiety tics.
When she gets very anxious and overwhelmed it gets her to the point of where she turns mute, especially if she does not know you or you are not a familiar friend or family member. She has tried to overcome her anxiety problems by enrolling at college but unfortunately to no avail.
With the devastating news she is now deaf the family believe that a hearing dog would benefit her immensely by being both her ears and her best friend. In addition to this, her healthcare workers are certain that a hearing dog would also help with her anxiety issues. Having a hearing dog would benefit her in so many ways and will help put some normality into her young life.
Hearing dogs provide both emotional support through companionship, and practical support by alerting deaf people to lifesaving sounds like the smoke alarm, and important sounds such as the oven timer, baby monitor and text messages.
Their burgundy coats also signal to the public that they are with a deaf person.
Because barking may not be audible by their deaf owners, hearing dogs are trained to use physical contact to alert people to sounds, they will touch you with their paws or nudge you with their nose and then lead you to the source of the sound.
NICO UPDATE
Meet Dazai
Dazai is fully trained now, he has become a great support for Nico
It is with the generosity of our supporters, we have now managed to purchase and have trained the hearing dog for Nico.
Nico and her dog will continue with their training for a while to come but he is already a great asset to her by helping with her anxiety and allowing Nico to have the confidence to be the person she wishes to be.
THANK YOU EVERYBODY
Quantum Stretto Powerchair (Powered Wheelchair)
We are looking to help a family purchase a quantum stretto powerchair for their 13-year-old son who developed a Medulloblastoma which is a high-grade brain tumour that starts in the lower back part of the brain, called the cerebellum. The cerebellum is involved in muscle coordination, balance, and movement.
He has been treated at Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital and was an in-patient for several months having received intensive treatment alongside therapy, as a result, ataxia developed as well.
He is now home and making progress with regular access to both physiotherapy and occupational therapy in the community setting. He will, however, continue to have longer term difficulties relating to his mobility. He can walk very short distances with support, but he is not able to walk independently due to being unsteady and at risk of falls. He has reduced core stability and difficulties controlling his arms and legs.
His movements lack fluency and control impacting on all areas of daily living and has had to become dependent on others for many aspects of
care, despite making improvements and progressing well. He has been assessed by a local wheelchair service within his area, however, due to not having an adapted home .
they are not able to issue/supply a powered wheelchair as he does not meet the criteria. He has been assessed with a powered wheelchair which allows him to confidently access the local community and his school environment with greater ease and more confidence. He can operate the powered chair safely which increases his overall independence. He is not able to self-propel in a standard wheelchair due to fatigue and reduced muscle strength, so a powered chair is his only means of independent mobility outside of the home.
Having a quantum stretto powerchair would increase his self-esteem and sense of wellbeing as it would provide a much-needed opportunity to develop his confidence accessing the local community safely. The family are also in the process of arranging a wheelchair adapted vehicle (WAV) through Motability and are keen to have support with funding this powered wheelchair so that they can ensure the vehicle they chose is compatible.
Please help him to reach his potential and enable him to be the teenage boy he needs to be, due to him having reduced mobility and ataxic movement the quantum stretto powerchair would have a huge impact on his life.
ZOLTON UPDATE
The Quantum Stretto Powerchair (Powered Wheelchair)has now been purchased, another young person and his family's lives made better.
Thank you to
The Provincial/Walsh Trust for Bolton
for making up the shortfall.
Cordellia (10), Jareth (3) and Sienna (8)
We are in desperate need to purchase and then train a Therapy Dog for a family of 3 children (Cordellia 10, Jareth 3 & Sienna 8). Two of the children have autism and one with a very rare form of epilepsy resulting in 40 + seizures a day. The children are battling and have overcome many medical obstacles throughout their young lives and are continuing to battle on. The Psychologist at Sheffield Children’s Hospital has recommended that Cordellia and Jareth would benefit from an Autism Support Dog. This would allow them to develop their confidence and build their social skills as well as to help regulate their emotions as they grow up. They say that a service dog would provide invaluable support regarding their anxiety issues. Sadly, the family did have a pet dog (Kenny) who behaved in many ways like a support dog but unfortunately, he died. Kenny seemed to help the children remain calm and to be able to participate in family activities.
Sienna would also benefit from having a Therapy dog as it would provide comfort and support when she is out of the house as she has a tracheotomy and poor mobility which leaves her wheelchair bound. Unfortunately, many members of the public aren’t too kind and find themselves staring at her. Sienna has also been subject to cruel words and a support dog would give her something to distract her from the negativity she receives.
The cost of purchasing and training an assistance dog is approximately £6,500.
BEAR UPDATE (1)
Sadly, the first dog (Bear No1), didn’t do too well in training so could not progress to be an assistance dog.The family are now working with (Bear No2) and his trainer and the training and bonding are progressing very well, if training stays on track, the family are hoping to have Bear living at home with them in August.Thank you, Craig and the trainers, for all their hard work.
BEAR UPDATE (2)
We are pleased to let you know that after his intense training and a lot of hard work,
“Bear2” has now moved in with the family, he and the children have bonded well and he is now a fully fledged member of the family.
BEAR UPDATE (3)
Up to date photographs of Bear
OSCAR
Oscar is 5 years old and has been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Global Development Delay, Periventricular Leukomelia and he also has a severe visual impairment. He can only see about 3ft of what is in front of him and has been registered blind. He has been learning Braille at school, it's almost like having to read and write again. Due to his Global development delay, sometimes it can take him longer to learn things than other children. To continue to make steady progress he needs to try and learn whenever possible.
Oscar's teacher has recommended that a Mountbatten Brailler would be beneficial for Oscar as it will grow with him. He will be able to type out his own school work in Braille and then print it in writing. It is also battery operated so he will be able to use it on-the-go.
The Mountbatten Brailler will cost £3738.00
OSCAR UPDATE
Due to your generosity we were able to purchase a Mountbatten Brailler for Oscar.
Oscar’s mum has sent an update on Oscar’s progress.
“The brailler you kindly gifted our family has allowed Oscar to become independent in his learning. He is able to switch on, load the paper and type all by himself. His brailling skills have gone from strength to strength earning several progress certificates from his visual impairment teachers. The brailler has not only allowed him to increase his typing skills but also his reading skills, Oscar can now fluently read braille. Your gift has given Oscar so much freedom and it has been incredible seeing him achieve, we cannot thank you enough for helping, it has without a doubt made a huge difference to Oscar’s life. “
"Poppy" has been diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy Spastic Quadriplegia. As a result, Poppy has limited movement in her limbs. She is 11 years old and her parents are struggling to carry her up the stairs into the family bathroom.In attempt to maintaining her dignity, her parents have applied for an extension to Poppy's bedroom to include a fully assessable bathroom which is on the ground floor. Poppys medical Consultants have advised that a hydrotherapy bath/shower would be Beneficial to her as when she has hydrotherapy sessions, her muscles are more relaxed and it helps to decrease the tone (stiffness) in her arms and legs. We are aiming to assist with the cost of tiling and flooring and essentials such as hoists to ease her families struggle at bath time.Ideally we would like to help further with the cost of a Hydrotherapy bath. We would like to complete funding by July/August 2019.If you wish to make a donation to support Poppy, please visit our Donate page to find out how.
Below are pictures of "Poppy" having Hydrotherapy
**We have changed "Poppy's" name at the request of mum**
Olivia Bath Chair
Olivia has been diagnosed with EIEE5 (Early infantile epileptic encephalopathy) which means she has snippets of every epilepsy syndrome. Olivia suffers with between 150 to 200 seizures a day which means constant alarms are going off and there are numerous amounts of medication to be administered by her parents and carers at least 12 times a day, one of these times being 3am. This has made life extremely difficult for her family and sadly Olivia is now under palliative (end of life) care. Olivia is also blind and non-verbal and has also has been diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy and dislocated hips and shoulders. All her family would like to do is take a small break away from home with her and their normal "day to day" life, however in order for them to have the flexibility to do this they have asked if we can provide a Leckey Wheelbase to Olivia's bath chair as the NHS couldn't provide one.
Urgent Appeal
Sadly, following a fire at their home, we are trying to give our help by raising funds to replace the damaged goods and support the family at this traumatic time.The family have 2 children, one aged 10 who has chronic asthma and a baby aged 7 months.Any Assistance at this time would be greatly appreciated by the family
