Dear Friends,

My name is Alex, I'm 3 years old and I live in Northampton. This year, for Christmas, I’m not wishing for toys or gifts, a small donation to a life changing surgery is all I need. This will give me the opportunity to engage in the activities I love—dancing, running and jumping—just like other kids my age.

I was born with Cerebral Palsy, a condition that makes it difficult for me to move like other children. I had a stroke around the time of my birth, which caused significant damage to my brain. In addition to Cerebral Palsy, I also live with Epilepsy and Global developmental delays, making every step toward my goals even more difficult. Doctors cannot say for certain whether I will ever be able to speak. I may require assistance with certain physical and cognitive tasks. However, I am resilient and determined, and I don’t easily give up.

For the past three years, my parents and I have worked diligently with doctors and therapists to maximize my potential and help my brain rewire. Although I can stand and take steps, maintaining a steady walk, running, and jumping continue to pose significant challenges due to the weakness on my right side. Recently, my right leg has become weaker from muscle tightness, making independent movement even more difficult.

Why We’re Seeking Your Support

We have found out about SPML - a surgery performed privately in Greece, where the surgeon lengthens the affected muscles of the leg through pin holes on the skin. The SPML procedure is not offered through NHS. This is a minimally invasive procedure and I need it now, in order to avoid more complex surgeries in the future.

The SPML procedure, which is due to be done in January 2025, represents a critical opportunity to enhance my life. Its cost is around £16000, plus the travel expenses and the therapies I will need after, to maintain the correct foot position and to improve the muscle strength. We are asking for your support to turn this dream into a reality.

The Significance of Your Support

This surgery is more than just a medical intervention; it symbolizes hope for a brighter future. It will provide me with the chance to develop the strength and stability necessary to engage in everyday activities with greater independence.

How You Can Help

Any contribution you make, no matter how big or small, will make a difference in my journey. Here’s how your support can help:

£20 could help cover travel expenses to Greece for the surgery.

£50 could support post-surgery rehabilitation, ensuring I make the most of the procedure’s benefits.

£100 could contribute to the surgical costs, allowing me to get the treatment I need.

Even if you’re unable to donate, you can still help by sharing my story with your friends, family, and colleagues.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story. Whether you can contribute or share this campaign, your help is deeply appreciated. Together, we can bring me closer to my dream and give me a future filled with movement, strength, and independence.

With love and gratitude,

Alex

7.5% of all donations to Tree of Hope in relation to this appeal will be allocated to the general charitable purposes of Tree of Hope to cover our core operating costs.

If we raise insufficient funds, or surplus funds, then the funds will be used, if appropriate, to fund support for our child’s needs in accordance with Tree of Hope’s charitable objects. If in those circumstances we are unable to use all or part of the funds for the benefit of our child in accordance with Tree of Hope’s charitable objectives, then any funds that cannot be used will be transferred to be used for the general charitable purposes of Tree of Hope.