News

Boy’s water relief

09 April 2009

Sunshine Fund pays for special bath for five-year-old with genetic condition

Haydn Weymes was born with an extremely rare genetic condition that left him unable to walk, talk or sit up unsupported. One thing he did respond well to was water stimulation, provided by special baths at his school.

Now, thanks to the Evening Chronicle’s Sunshine Fund, Haydn has a bath of his own at home.
Haydn’s mum Alyson said: “We use the bath every other day and we shower him down every morning before school.
“The best things are the smiles, his eyes lighting up, the kicking of his legs and the singing.”
Alyson said the bath was used as both stimulation for Haydn and a form of play. He cannot hold a traditional toy but enjoys watching the bubbles and lights on his bath.

Jo Harris, fund manager, said: “We were really keen to buy this piece of equipment for this little boy because we knew what a huge difference it would make to both his life and that of his family. “That is what the Sunshine Fund aims to do.”
The Jacuzzi is in Haydn’s specially-adapted bedroom, and his sisters Jessica, eight, and Olivia, two, were intrigued when it arrived.

Alyson said: “At the beginning, they wanted to get in. Jessica went in at first to support him before we got the bath lift.”
The bath lift lowers Haydn into the bath and supports him safely in the water, which allows Alyson and husband Richard to let him use the bath more often.
“He uses it for up to half an hour, or sometimes just five or 10 minutes. The bath is set at a high temperature, so the hot water is there all the time.”
Although Haydn is still unable to do many things, he is making progress.

Alyson said: “He is more aware each day. We are hoping that with a little bit of help he will be able to sit up. He is getting there.”
But the new bath is providing some well-deserved enjoyment for the five-year-old.
His mum said: “He cannot do much for himself so for him to be able to kick about and be happy – it is just great for us to see.”


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