Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

It was at our 20 week scan that we found out there was something wrong with Sarah. They said there was too much fluid in her brain. They offered us a termination on the grounds that she was likely to be very disabled as parts of her brain were not developing properly due to the fluid. But they couldn't categorically say what her prognosis would be, so we chose not to terminate. Following Sarah's birth we have since learnt that Sarah has oral facial digital syndrome type 1. After an unsuccessful operation in September 2012 to try and relieve the pressure and drain the fluid in her brain Sarah had a shunt fitted in January 2013. Considering all she has been through she is doing brilliantly and has recently learnt to sit unaided but she is 3 now and is still unable to stand, walk, talk or eat. Her entire diet is prescription based milk formula due to complex allergies and severe food aversion.

We're raising money to buy mobility accessories and sensory equipment for Sarah. With the money we raise we're hoping to buy Sarah a mobile base for her comfy chair at home to make it easier to move her about the home without having to physically lift her out of her chair when she is in a good position. We'd also like to buy accessories for the special needs buggy being provided through the NHS. It will not come with any accessories like a hood or raincover and without these items we would be governed by the weather as to whether we could take her out! THANK YOU TO ALL WHO HAVE HELPED US - WE HAVE RAISED ENOUGH FOR THESE 2 ITEMS NOW!

Finally as Sarah cannot play with a lot of normal baby toys we are hoping to raise the funds for an interactive bubble tube and sensory fibre optic lights. Sarah has seen these at our local child development centre and the special needs school she attends and really enjoys the bright lights and colours and they really help her to relax and engage so we would love to have such amazing sensory resources at home for her. Sarah has an older brother called Joshua who is 4  and has  Autism. This means that it is very difficult to take Sarah out to use the resources at our centre as they both have such different needs. However, if we could raise enough for these sensory items then Joshua would be able to benefit from them at home as well.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity. So it’s the most efficient way to donate – saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

Should we exceed the target amount (or if we do not raise enough funds, or if they cannot be used for any other reason) the funds raised will go to the general funds of Tree of Hope to assist other sick children.