A FERNHILL HEATH family have thanked kind-hearted residents after they raised £2,000 in just a few days for special equipment to help their five-year-old stand.
Bobby Allen, who was featured on The Standard’s front page last month, has Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type 3, a genetic condition that affects the nerves which control muscle movement.
But his dreams of being able to play games with his friends have come true thanks to kind-hearted donations which will fund a special standing frame to help his mobility.
The five-year-old’s parents, Ally and Stuart, turned to Newlife Foundation for Disabled Children to appeal to ‘local heroes’ to chip in for the vital piece of equipment and within a few days, more than 20 individuals and groups had responded, bringing the £668 already raised to the £2,000 total.
He currently uses a manual wheelchair to get around school and a power chair for outside use.
The new frame will allow Bobby to play games and give him the independence and freedom to try new sports.
He will also be able to play in the garden with his 16-month-old brother Freddie and enjoy the simple pleasure of spending time out of his wheelchair.
Ally, Bobby’s mum, said: “I can’t believe that people have been so kind, that they are willing to do this for Bobby, someone they don’t know.
“This gives me faith that people do care.
“Money is tight for everyone right now, so, for so many people to feel they can spare it for Bobby is totally amazing and we are just so thankful.”
Bobby will also be able to engage with classroom activities when he goes into year one in September and, with a talent for art, the standing frame will allow him to stand at an easel, making it easier to paint and draw.
There are also lots of health benefits, as Bobby’s organs will work better if he is able to stand up.
Ally said: “Having the standing frame is going to be fantastic for Bobby, he’ll be able to keep up with everyone at school and even at home.
“It will make such a difference.
“In his wheelchair people ignore him and look over him, but the standing frame means he will be on the same level as everyone else and this will mean so much to him. Time spent out of his wheelchair with the standing frame will help his whole well being.”
The family are now awaiting the delivery of the much needed standing frame.
