Lions help give Ben a new lease of life
Group raises £1,800 for a special walking frame
Published:
A three-year-old boy who cannot walk, talk or eat unaided should soon be on his feet after a north-east community group stumped up the cash to pay for specialist equipment he needs to develop.
As the Press and Journal reported last month, Inverurie couple Laura James and Gavin Henry launched a campaign to raise the funds needed to help their son Ben, who was left severely disabled after being born 12 weeks early.
Ben, who suffers from cerebral palsy, requires a specialist walking frame and other equipment costing more than £3,000 to help him get about.
Fundraisers the Garioch Lions read about Ben’s plight in the Press and Journal and today they will hand over a cheque for £1,800 – the full amount needed to buy a special walking frame.
Miss James, of Whiteleywell Place, said she had been overwhelmed by the generosity of the Lions and said Ben would finally be able to start developing the leg muscles, which he is currently unable to use.
“Ben cannot even stand unaided at the moment so he needs a frame which is totally supportive,” she added.
“We were given a six-week trial of one and he did so well in it. It’s fantastic that he will now be able to have one of his own.”
She said Ben could now look forward to gaining his mobility.
“The frame will move forward with Ben and if he gets too tired he can sit back into it.
“It means he can start to build up his leg muscles and should hopefully get stronger and stronger.
“The equipment is specially designed to grow with him so he should be able to use it now until he’s at least seven.”
Garioch Lions fundraising convener James Duff said several members spotted Ben’s story in the Press & Journal and they got together and agreed they should help. “We’re part of Lions International but we like to support local causes as much as we can, especially those involving young people,” he added.
“We pledged the full amount because we felt the sooner Ben’s family can order the frame the better.
“We’re glad to be able to do something that will make such a difference to his life.”
The family are hosting a coffee morning with stalls, face painting and a clown at St Andrew’s church hall, Inverurie, today from 10.30am to 1.30pm to raise money for computer equipment and a specialist car seat to help Ben further.
For more information visit www.fund4ben.co.uk
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