Member Article

£1,000 for boy in aid of surgery

A two year-old boy with cerebral palsy has been gifted £1,000 towards a life-changing operation.

Raife Wilson, who lives with his family in Melksham, received the donation from Persimmon Homes Wessex; as part of the builder’s Community Champions scheme.

Diagnosed with diplegic cerebral palsy, Raife suffers with tight muscles in his lower body, which limits his mobility and puts pressure on his hips, knees and joints.

Now Raife has a chance of living a normal life – thanks to a method of spinal surgery called Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy (SDR) which will eliminate a majority, if not all, of his symptoms. This, in turn, will dramatically reduce the chances of Raife having to deal with future issues which are common for people dealing with his condition as they mature such as hip dislocations, severe joint problems and arthritis.

Unfortunately, the operation is not funded by the NHS and his parents Laura and Andrew have launched a fundraising campaign to pay for the procedure and immediate rehabilitation, which would change their son’s life.

They have set a target of £45,000 to cover all of the associated costs, with more than £3,000 already raised.

Mum Laura, said: “We have worked tirelessly to fundraise for Raife. This donation from Persimmon Homes takes us one step closer to our fundraising target.

“Raife is an inspiration to us, his family and friends and deserves to have the independence and opportunity to be the best he can be and shape his own future without restricted mobility.”

Pauline Fletcher, sales and marketing director for Persimmon Homes Wessex, said: “We’re so pleased to present Raife and his family with this donation. He is such a brave boy who has faced a lot of difficulties and we couldn’t be more honoured to help them.

“This is exactly what our Community Champions scheme is all about. Supporting good causes to make a positive change.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Lee Southen .