News

Sitting pretty in the family car again

18 September 2008

SPECIAL SEAT MEANS GIRL CAN TRAVEL IN COMFORT ONCE MORE

Your Chronicle’s charity has brightened up another youngster’s life. Three-year-old Amy Wilson, who suffers from a degenerative brain disorder, was given a cash grant by our Sunshine Fund to pay for a special car seat.
The donation means the youngster, whose condition means she is visually impaired, has epilepsy and cannot walk, can now to travel along with the rest of her family, who live in Weardale Avenue, Cowpen.
“She did have a normal car seat,” said Amy’s mum Michelle, 35. “But they only go up to five years, and because of her condition, Amy is quite big for her age. It made her cry because the straps were too tight.”
Amy’s portage worker Lin Mckillip told Amy’s family about a chair on the market which has a neck roll and hip belt to ensure the child always sits in a straight position.
However they were left stunned after learning it would cost £762.48.
“When we got the quote for the seat we nearly fainted,” said Michelle. “I don’t know what we would have done without the help of the Sunshine Fund.”
The donation came just in time for Amy, who is due to start at Abbey Fields First School, which, although it is a mainstream school, has classes for those with special needs.
Caring for Amy is very demanding for her parents, who have four other dependent children. Her father, Andrew, 33, had to leave his job as a painter and decorator to support his wife, who was struggling to lift Amy after she grew to three stone.
Despite having to use Baby Makaton, a special language for those who cannot understand speech, Amy is very aware of sound.
“She’s aware of people, her hearing is perfect,” said Michelle. “That’s why she likes the car: there are speakers fitted in the headrest so she can listen to music.
“I think she’ll be aware she’s more comfy now.”
Amy’s condition remains undiagnosed. Michelle said: “We’ve been through everything. She has had two MRI scans to confirm it is degenerative and the neurologist has done everything possible, but there is nothing further he can do. We just have to see him every year.”
The Sunshine Fund raises cash to support disabled children around the North East, stepping in with donations to pay for specialist equipment where other funding is not available.
Money is raised through the fundraising efforts of Chronicle readers and the support of the North East business community, as well as local celebrities.
Sunshine Fund manager Jo Harris, said: “We were delighted to give the Wilson family the grant as the car seat will be invaluable to Amy.”
Anyone wishing to play a part by raising funds for the Sunshine Fund or anyone wanting details on applying to the charity for a grant should contact Sunshine Fund manager Jo Harris on (0191) 201 6289.

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