Hi, my name is Jude, I am 4 years old. I was born on 10th June 2008 weighing 4lb1 ounce. I was born 8 weeks premature.

My mummy, daddy and sister say that I am an extremely clever, happy and determined little boy. I have Cerebral Palsy which causes my muscles to be really stiff and I am unable to walk or stand on my own. I have just learned to crawl whilst lifting my tummy up which has made me a bit more mobile. I can move my arms reciprocally but am working on moving my legs as well as at the moment I drag my legs along because I find it easier at the moment. I also get around using a walking frame but I get tired very easily and this requires a lot of effort. I wear splints on both legs to help to stretch out my muscles and an orthotic suit to help support me and help with my posture. I have had botox recently which has helped my legs to be a little less stiff but this is only temporary and will wear off in about 3 -6 months. When I grow up I would like to be a fireman as my favourite programme is Fireman Sam but they took some pictures of my brain recently and it is unlikely that I will be able to walk without surgery.

 

I am hopeful that I will be able to have a life changing operation called a Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy. This is a live changing operation that involves taking away some of the nerves in my spine which cause my muscles to be stiff. I will go to sleep for five hours and then I will need to spend at least 5 times a week having physisotherapy for about 16 months. It will be a hard work but this will make me so much more independent. My physiotherapist and my family are really confident because they know that I always try really hard and gets on with things without complaining.

 

I am used to mummy and daddy moving me when I want to change position and hold me up when I want to stand or "step", but really I would like to run, skip, jump, play and explore like any other child my age. I want to play with my friends and my sister Jasmine without a grown up with me all the time. No offence mummy and Daddy!

 

 A friend of mine who has the operation in January is already able to stand independently and they have taken away the special seating he was using at home. The operations are happening at my local hospital in Frenchay, before this children were going to America to have the operation.  

 

My Mummy, Daddy and sister want me so much to have the best chance possible and that they are prepared to raise the £23,000 so that I will not have to use a wheelchair all the time. They are also trying to raise a further £8,000 to supplement the intensive physiotherapy required after the operation. 

 

My family think that I am such a wonderful little boy and believe that whatever happens I will not let anything stand in my way. I am hopeful that the operation will mean that I will not have to face so many obstacles and can be whoever I want to be, who knows one day, I may become a fireman! 

 

I understand that things are difficult for everyone at the moment but if there is any chance that you could help me, my family and I will be eternally grateful.

 For more info see my website www.anoblecauseforjude.co.uk

Jude

xx

 

 

 

 

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