As autumn arrived, so too did new applicants to Sullivan’s Heroes’ and a flurry of projects getting underway. Three boys whose families are busy raising funds towards their home adaptations are Theo, Mason and Sebby.
‘Theo’s home adaptations’ project will extend the existing family home to provide Theo with increased living space and wheelchair access into and throughout the house to meet his medical requirements – requiring funds of £18,075 to meet the project costs.
Theo’s Mum tells us:
“Theo is a happy 2-year-old with Ohtahara Syndrome and brittle bones. His condition causes uncontrollable epilepsy. Theo loves being around family and friends and we are hoping to raise the funds to make the living space accessible for him to be able to do this safely, as he has already had nine fractures to his femur and tibia. We are looking forward to the completion and enjoying quality time together in a safe accessible space for him.”
Over at Mason’s house, ‘Mason’s Fundraiser’ is off to a flying start to reach the remaining £25,000 target required above the Disabled Facilities Grant awarded for Mason’s adaptations project, to extend the existing family home to provide Mason with a downstairs accessible bedroom and wetroom; plus access and increased space throughout his home.
Mason’s ‘Pops’ Gary has already cycled a mammoth 80 miles from Mansfield to Skegness to aid the fundraising for the 5-year-old.
Mason’s Mum explains:
“We’re adapting our family home with a wet room and bedroom to give Mason the best life he can possibly have by making it safer and less stressful for him by staying on the ground floor. I cannot get Mason up and down the stairs or out of our bath/bathroom in a safe manner, as the older he gets the bigger he gets. Due to Mason's disabilities he is a dead weight when being carried and it is now becoming extremely difficult to manoeuvre him around the house. By having these adaptations for Mason, it will make our whole family’s life a lot easier.”
Meanwhile Sebby and his family have been busy on their ‘Last Blast For Sebby’s Space’ – already reaching a fantastic 54% of the £20,000 target thanks to two recent sponsored walks, plus generous support from The Mackintosh Foundation.
The works will extend the existing family home to provide Sebby with a downstairs bedroom, wet-room, physio/family area, access to house and garden with patio and hydro hot tub installed, plus open up the interior of the house to provide access for Sebby throughout.
As Sebby’s Mum advises:
“The adaptations will allow much needed space to continue Sebby’s vital physiotherapy, space to put a Conductive Education table and chair (as used at his school), house his ever-increasing equipment and create a roof structure strong enough to support a ceiling hoist system in both Sebby's bedroom and wetroom. Finally, and just as importantly, it will offer Sebby somewhere he can invite his friends – both able bodied and then chums, who like him, need disability access.”
From three new projects to three nearing completion – the first being ‘Sophie’s Independence’ – which received support from Howdens and City Plumbing recently, in the form of donated appliances and radiators to fit in her new spaces being created.
‘Joey’s Journey’ has almost reached the end point of it’s works too, aided by the Hospital Saturday Fund. Whilst finishing touches to ‘Courageous Cory’s Big Build’ were enabled with generous support from The Kelsey Trust.
‘Iman’s home adaptation’ also received funds from Education Support and Independence at Home towards her £40,000 target, and funds from Redway Communications have been gratefully received by Sullivan’s Heroes for ongoing grants.
Our amazing London Marathon runner Ben Lippiett can now enjoy a well-earned rest of his weary feet after his fantastic feat! – completing the 26.2 mile course in awesome timing and raising a huge amount en route thanks to all the generous supporters.
Gearing up early for Christmas, our ever-popular Jewellery and Gifts are on sale through our eBay for Charity Shop for that bargain gift shopping!
Plus, if you’re shopping online you can support Sullivan’s Heroes through Easyfundraising; and AmazonSmile.
We sign-off with news of our most recently completed project, for Amelia – which we think is a fine way to celebrate her recently turning 10 years old!
The project, which saw Amelia’s family needing to raise the £9,357 shortfall above a Disabled Facilities Grant awarded for the works, involved extending the existing lounge of the family home into the car port area to create a level access bedroom and shower room for Amelia.
Amelia’s Dad elaborates:
“Amelia has Angelman Syndrome, global development delay and epilepsy. The difficulty with taking Amelia upstairs was getting harder as she got bigger. The stairs were a major stumbling block each day and bathing her was very difficult.”
“We now have a downstairs adaptation where Amelia sleeps. She can be dressed downstairs and there is a shower for her to be washed. She is ready for bed much more quickly and is far happier, which is better for everyone. It's a massive help and makes each day far easier for everyone.”
We’re delighted to see the difference the new space has made – and we look forward to bringing further news of progress with other projects we’re supporting, as they get underway.
Please do get in touch if you have any fundraising events, activities and ideas you’d like to share with us; or if you would like to apply for a grant or to fundraise through Sullivan’s Heroes.
Thank you for your ongoing support, it is greatly appreciated.
