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Teenager logs on to a much brighter future

08 January 2008

Computer helps to boost confidence of lad with learning disabilities

Teenager David Martin is on top of the world after a Sunshine Fund boost. David , 15, who goes to Cedars Special School, in Low Fell, has moderate learning disabilities and complex epilepsy.

He was nominated for a Sunshine Trust grant to buy a computer in order to help him with his studies and to lift his moods.
Now David , of Gainford, Allerdene Estate, Gateshead, is really benefiting.

David ’s mum, Angie, 39, said: “The computer has worked wonders for his confidence and really helped with his learning. “He has always been fantastic at art and makes us things all the time, including Christmas cards. Now he can design on the computer too. “The letters are visual so he is much more eager to work and put text on paper. It has been a godsend.”

Kelly Dawson, from the Kingfisher learning disability team, and a family friend, supported the application. She helped David when he was particularly low as he was becoming aware of the problems he had. Kelly said: “Once I found out about the Sunshine Fund I thought I would nominate David . The computer was a window to introduce him to academic skills and it was great that he was able to teach his sister something. “It made a difference to have something he could call his own and it has brought him on academically.”

Angie, who is David ’s full-time carer, said: “He had low self-esteem as he was aware of the difficulties he was having, but he is definitely much happier now.”
Sunshine Fund manager Jo Harris said: “We were delighted to be able to help David . It was clear he has benefited and enjoyed the computer.”

The Sunshine Fund pays for equipment that makes a significant improvement to the lives of children, but for whatever reason is not usually available from other sources. Each year the thousands of pounds in grants benefit both individual and groups of children battling serious illness or disability. This is made possible by the fundraising efforts of Chronicle readers and local businesses who support the fund.

For further details on applying to the charity for a grant or raising funds on its behalf, contact Jo Harris on (0191) 201 6289


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