Alfred is aged 3 from Swadlincote and was born in September 2015 with the umbilical cord wrapped twice around his neck. He was born lifeless and took 7 minutes to resuscitate at which point he was put on a ventilator. His brain had been starved of oxygen which caused brain damage deep within his brain.


After 4 days in neonatal intensive care and 6 days in neonatal care we were allowed to take our son home. We didnt know what effect the brain damage would have on him so hoped for the best. Sadly at 4 months old we realised Alfred couldnt use his arms like other babies his age.


Again, we were on a bit of a wait and see journey with some physio exercises. We werent seeing any progress so decided to find a private physiotherapist. That was when we had it confirmed that Alfred had Spastic Quadriplegic Cerebral Palsy.


We asked the obvious questions - can we fix it? - will he ever be able to use his hands? Sadly, there is never any knowing.

.
3 years into this journey and Alfred has the physically ability of a 6-9 month old baby. He doesnt sit independently, crawl, stand nor walk. However, over the last 6 months since we first started an intensive course of physiotherapy he has learnt to roll and maintain a kneeling position on his own.


These intensive courses are the best thing for Alfred. He has 1 hour a day in a special piece of equipment called a spider and the next hour is working on day to day movements. 2 hours of intensive treatment a day for 3 weeks is enough for any 3 year old and lucky for us, he loves doing it. He considers the therapists his friends and enjoys all the ways they try to help him move.


We want Alfred to have the best possible chance of moving on his own before he starts school in September 2020 and to carry on with these courses for as long as needed. The intensive treatment is in a centre in Oxfordshire and sadly we have to stay close by to make it all possible. Each course costs close to £4000 a time.

Alfred is such a happy little boy and wants to run around with his friends so badly. Please help him keep progressing.