Cornish Businesses Donate To Help Abi Walk
Businesses in Cornwall demonstrate their community spirit; donating hundreds of pounds worth of prizes to help a young lady with cerebral palsy to walk
Born ten weeks prematurely, Abi is a 12 year old strong minded, and motivated young lady from Camelford in Cornwall. She is funny, beautiful and feels the same way about school as most girls of her age. The only difference is that her day-to-day life problems can be more centred around frustration at getting her school clothes done up herself; rather than boys or make up.
Lack of oxygen during her birth resulted in her developing spastic quadriplegia cerebral palsy. This means Abi is unable to stand alone, and cannot walk without the aid of her walking frame and a supervisor. She participates in daily exercises to help with the increased tone and spasticity in her muscles; which becomes more pronounced as she grows. Abi’s is a challenged and painful life at times.
However, her family have discovered a life-changing operation, which can be carried out by Dr Park at St Louis Hospital in America. The operation, called an SDR or Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy, would eliminate the spasticity in Abi’s muscles; making it possible for her to walk. Abi’s aunt Carly has set up a facebook auction, in which local businesses all over Cornwall have donated their products or services to help raise money for Abi’s operation.
Unfortunately because the operation would need to be carried out overseas, where healthcare costs are high; the family are faced with an astronomical fundraising target of £50,000. However, support from the community across the county has gained traction. From the fantastic opportunity of a trip for 4 with Sea Life SeaFaris in Padstow; to jewellery makers, tanning studios and even copywriters; the business community’s response has been supportive. Carly said, “I can’t believe how generous everyone has been. I really hope this means that we can raise our target to help my niece fulfil her dream of being able to walk.”
Abi’s school, Sir James Smith’s, had a non-uniform day recently to raise funds; contributing £362.74 towards the target of £50,000. Similarly, her family organised a coffee morning, which garnered another £284.64. At the time of writing, her campaign has raised 3% of the target; hoping to gain notice by the #FollowTheFairies campaign and Children in Need.
If the campaign is successful in exceeding the target amount; if they fall short of the necessary funds; or if they cannot be used for any other reason; the money raised will be donated to the Tree of Hope charity organisation. Dedicated to helping other children with similar conditions, the Tree of Hope offer hope to families like the Killingbecks who simply could not raise the money alone.
To make a donation, or to find out more about Abi’s condition, please see the Just Giving page at https://www.justgiving.com/abiswishtowalk/ or the Tree of Hope page, which is interlinked at http://www.treeofhope.org.uk/abis-wish-to-walk/
e laura@palavermaven.co.uk
t 07729263818
