Alberts Ascent!

Albert is 7 years old. He goes to Denfield Primary School. His favourite song is 'Gimme Gimme Gimme' by ABBA, he loves playing Minecraft & Super Mario on his Nintendo Switch, and he knows everything there is to know about cars (especially Land Rovers!) and washing machines. When asked what he wants to be when he grows up, he said he wants to be a bank robber!

Albert also suffers with a genetic disorder called Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. This is an inherited disorder that causes progressively worsening muscle weakness. It usually affects young boys in their early childhood, starting with delayed development and continuing with increasing difficulty with movements such as running, jumping and everyday things such as getting up off the floor. Movement becomes harder as the disease progresses, and most boys will need a wheelchair by the age of around 9. As the muscles continue to weaken it can lead to complications with breathing, & eating, seizures and heart problems. There is no cure.

When Jack first met Albert, he was able to get out of his wheelchair and walk for short distances, hold himself up in a playground, throw and catch balls, roll down hills and enjoy being a little boy as much as his disease allowed. Sadly his disease has now progressed to the stage where he needs a wheelchair full time, he can no longer do these simple things by himself, and needs help with things like getting dressed and going to the toilet.

However, we can help Albert to enjoy being an independent little boy for as long as he possibly can. He is currently using a manual wheelchair which he needs someone to push, as he isn't strong enough to push it himself.

We would like to raise money to buy Albert a new electric wheelchair which he can control by himself - he would be able to go where he likes (on and off road - his new wheelchair would be able to go to the park and football pitch easily unlike his old one!) by controlling and steering it himself. The new wheelchair will also have the ability to stand him up, so he can get himself into a supported standing position rather than being hoisted or held up.

This would have a huge impact on his quality of life, he would be able to experience more freedom, independence and joy to do the things he loves whilst he still can. Please consider donating to this cause, and give little Albert the best surprise ever!