News

Standing on his Owen two feet!

04 March 2008

Frame helps little boy

Little Owen Taylor is standing tall thanks to a special new frame. Now the one-year-old, who suffers from cerebral palsy, is able to take to his feet and support himself standing up. Until now Owen , who lives with his mum Laura Thompson in Oliver Street, South Shields, could only move along the floor on his back.But a grant from the Chronicle’s Sunshine Fund has given Owen the help he needs to become more upright and build valuable muscle tone in his legs and hips.

Thrilled mum Laura, 22, said: “It’s really great watching him stand up and support himself. “Until we got the frame he could only be on the floor, so it’s really nice seeing him in a new position. “It’s really helping him already. When I first put him in it, he put all his weight on one side, but now, because he is building up his muscle, he is putting it on both hips. “He absolutely loves it as well. I put him in it three or four times a day and he cries every time he has to come out. “I’m really grateful to the Sunshine Fund for giving Owen this opportunity.”

Cerebral palsy is a condition that affects an area of the brain responsible for movement in the body. Without the Monkey standing frame, Owen would be restricted to one position on the floor, unable to sit or stand. The frame allows Owen to stand upright and make eye contact more easily with adults – making it immensely beneficial to his development.

Sunshine Fund manager Jo Harris said: “We are always happy to help out in cases such as Owen ’s and do what we can.
“We are delighted to have been able to help this little boy. It’s what the Sunshine Fund is all about.”

To raise money or apply for the charity, contact Sunshine Fund manager Jo Harris on (0191) 201 6289.


Back