Tooting boy Jack wheely needs your help
BY SAM WALKER
toby@slpmedia.co.uk
A six-year-old boy is trapped in his home, with his mum making a plea for help in funding a
specialist wheelchair.
Jack Callaby, of Tooting Broadway, who has cerebral palsy, has not yet applied for an NHS wheelchair.
The waiting period for an NHS wheelchair is around 18 weeks, and it would be a basic and heavy model, and not tailored to his specific needs.
His condition means Jack can only crawl along the floor, so he can’t enjoy the outdoors with other children.
The charity Newlife is helping Jack to raise £2,940 for the specialist wheelchair – but he needs help from local families and firms.
Jack’s mum Amy said: “I’m at my wits end.
“A powered wheelchair is the only chance Jack has of any independence and to have the chance to fulfil his potential.
“Jack’s too big for me to carry and his dad, Mark, has severe osteoarthritis in both hips and has recently had a hip replacement.
“It’s impossible for him to lift him, making it an ongoing struggle to contribute to helping with Jack’s needs.
“There will always be barriers in life for Jack because he has Cerebral Palsy, but with the right equipment it’s possible to overcome them – that’s all any parent wants for their child.”
Newlife’s senior manager for care services, Carrick Brown, said: “Jack needs a powered wheelchair to go outside properly with his family and join in with everyday school activities.
“Without it his freedom, independence and options will be limited, just because he doesn’t have the right equipment at the right time.
“However, as much as we would love to help Jack and his family, we simply don’t have the funds right now so we are urgently asking local people and businesses to make a donation or fundraise to help him, as soon as possible.”
To help Jack contact Newlife on 01543 431 444, visit the website at www.newlife.support/HelpJack or email local@newlifecharity.co.uk.
You can also text NEWLIFE JACK to 70500 to give £10 to Jack’s appeal.
Newlife will receive 100% of your donation.
Texts cost £10 plus 1 message at your standard network rate.
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