A mystery donor has stepped in to buy a specialist walker for a north-east cerebral palsy sufferer after his plight was highlighted in the Press and Journal.
Five-year-old Alfie Arthur was diagnosed with severe cerebral palsy just months after he was born, leaving him unable to speak, walk, stand or feed himself.
In recent months the Ardallie youngster has been given a new lease of life after being loaned a professional walker, which has helped improve his mobility and strengthen his muscles.
However, his parents, Gary and Colette, have had to launch a fundraising drive to buy one after NHS Grampian said it couldn’t afford it.
Yesterday the Press and Journal offered to buy the equipment through our Year of Giving fund – only to find that a generous oil company, which did not wish to be named, had already ordered one.
The family, of South Hawkhillock Cottage, said they were touched by the generosity shown towards them.
Press and Journal editor Derek Tucker said the newspaper was keen to help Alfie out through its Year of Giving fund, but was delighted someone had stepped in to buy the equipment.
He said: “The Year of Giving came about to help people like Alfie Arthur. We are delighted that, following our report, someone has stepped in to make his life a little better.
“We hope that the specialist walker will allow him to enjoy some of the activities that other children take for granted.”
A Burns night and ceilidh is being held at the Station Hotel, Ellon, on Saturday, January 24, to raise money towards the £5,000 cost of adapting the Arthurs’ home for Alfie’s wheelchair.
For more information, to book tickets or donate a raffle prize for the event, contact either Kirstie Moar on 01358 711324 or themoars@btinternet.com, or Mrs Arthur on 01358 711385 or gary.colette@btinternet.com
Anyone who is unable to attend the event, but would still like to give financial support to the cause, can donate by debit or credit card at the website www.giftshare.com/alfie