Harry's Appeal
Harry has Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, a degenerative disease that wastes a child's muscles, places their spine under intense strain and reduces their mobility day by day. His current NHS wheelchair is wholly unsuitable for him to lead a healthy and fun childhood so we must raise £14,273 to buy him a‘Life Stand' wheelchair. With this remarkable powered wheelchair, he will be able to maintain the best possible posture for his weak back and move himself around without pain. Harry's Occupational Therapist is in no doubt of the effect a ‘Life Stand' would have on his life:
‘Boys with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy face a major challenge as their bodies change to become young men. During their teenage years these boys lose much of the muscle and control in their legs and lower torso. Yet, they continue to grow and develop like other adolescents. The mix of growing pains and steadily-decreasing mobility threatens to make Harry's life intensely difficult. That's why the right wheelchair is vital. You see, when Harry slips into an uncomfortable position in his current chair he doesn't always have the strength to pull himself back up out of it. This can put him in considerable pain and push the air from his lungs. Not having the right support also places his spine under intense pressure, which threatens to lead to a condition called Scoliosis where his spine curves out to the side. It is impossible for us to imagine how wretchedly uncomfortable and debilitating it is to have Scoliosis.
Worse still, the only ‘treatment' involves operating on his back and pinning a metal rod along the length of his spine. Aside from the pain involved with invasive surgery, a metal spine would also limit Harry's movement. So I wholeheartedly endorse Action For Kids' pre-emptive efforts to raise the funds for a ‘Life Stand' wheelchair, which best fits Harry's needs.'
Donate now towards the cost of the wheelchair that will transform Harry's life.
