I have recently become aware of a close colleagues family situation and would love to be able to help give them a better start to the new year and spread some Christmas spirit. My colleague, Linda, tragically lost her brother Alan after he accidentally suffocated himself whilst sleeping at the age of 19. Her youngest brother Michael, aged 17, suffers from severe Cerebal Palsy which means he will never be able to walk or talk. Michael is able to sense other people's emotions and will laugh and cry along with you and is able to react to noises. He also suffers from scoliosis of the spine, asthma and epilepsy which can cause him to have seizures and results in a lot of time spent in hospital. Linda's parents are Micheal's sole carers and have never requested respite as they never want to be away from him.
After applying to the council for help with an extension to make home life easier for them it was declined due to the expense. Understandably, since the death of Alan, Micheal's parents haven't wanted to leave him alone at night and so have spent every night since sleeping on the sofa or on the floor either side of Micheal to make sure he is okay. Micheal's mother is regularly
organising sponsored walks to raise money for schools and other charities which help children with disabilities.
I would like to give something back to this wonderful family, whether it be a sofa bed so husband and wife can sleep together again or much needed equipment for Micheal. So please,
any donations large or small will make such a difference to their home life.