Shay in April 2008 was diagnosed with Pearson's Syndrome a Mitochondrial disease with no cure. Pearson syndrome is very rare, less than a hundred cases have been reported worldwide. Not many people know about Mitochondrial Disease, there are few supportive treatments relieving symptoms but at this present time there is no cure.

Our mitochondrial cells are like power stations in our bodies, supplying the energy every cell needs to function. These cells make up our organs and tissues within our bodies. Shay’s cells do not have the energy to make his body organs work properly for example, if a car does not have enough battery power, the car will not start or suddenly stop, no matter how new that car is.

Shay is 11 years old and this disease is progressing with devastating effects on his health. His one love is his Xbox and he is now having trouble holding on to things along with vision loss, hearing loss and overall muscular weakness. This is heart breaking to see and we want him to have the comfort and quality of life before it is too late.

We are raising funds to help fund the items he requires to keep him independent and have a fully enjoyable carefree life. Also to support a fantastic charity called Joni's Army, which has helped Shay achieve his goals, given him emotional support and also supported his family. This charity has been amazing, supported shay when he found it hard to take some medicine, given him great joy with the bonds they have created between each other.

Joni's Army help sick and impaired children, give them the help they need to get the medical treatment and equipment they need. They also carry out acts of kindness in the name of the beautiful young Joni who passed away aged 9yrs. Joni's Army have helped shay become a better Powerchair footballer by buying a unique Football Powerchair.

Build For Shay Facebook Page

Joni's Army Facebook