Hi, I'm Ben, and I'm 11. In May 2018, I had my life-changing SDR operation at Bristol, thanks to you. Your fundraising allowed Mum to pay for my SDR at Bristol, and since then, we've been using the money to cover my private physio.

I’ve got a new trike, which means I can go out with my brother on bike rides. Mum says it’s great physio for me, but it’s just fun—even though I need a rest afterward!

My physio, Sam, is so pleased with me. I use my sticks to get around, and I use my wheelchair for longer distances. I've also managed to keep my muscles stretched, so exercises like half-kneeling—something I’ve always struggled with—I can now do!

I'm also in a new mainstream secondary school, and I’ve already taken part in the Festival of Disability Sports. I'm as active as I can be, thanks to the fundraising that allows my physio to continue. Without it, I’d be stuck in my chair all the time. Unfortunately, I do have scoliosis, so my physio is more important than ever. The more I’m active and supported by therapists, the better my life will be. And we still need your help to continue this.

If you can help by raising some money, please contact us. Every penny really does help me.

Mum says:

Thank you. Part one, the operation, was done at Bristol Children’s Hospital on 18th May 2018.

Now we are down to the last £200, and we need your help with part two. I’ve stretched the fundraising money over 5 years by keeping Ben’s private physio to once a month and getting his daily physio done at home and school. It’s worked, but now, with his scoliosis, I need the continued support of his physio to ensure we are doing all we can to slow the deterioration of his spine. I want him to have an active childhood, and he’s so determined—another school locally has asked him to join them in a few PE sessions to encourage others.

The SDR was so successful—he doesn’t have any spasms or tightness, he can walk with sticks, and he joins in all school life. Unfortunately, we haven’t had many physio sessions from the NHS—on average, just a couple of hands-on sessions a year. So, more fundraising is vital. But I’m also aware of how hard life is for everyone right now. All I ask is, if you are doing something like an organised run or want a reason to take part in something or take on a challenge, consider raising some pennies for Ben.

As always, we are being supported by the amazing charity Tree of Hope, who hold our funds and pay for his physio directly. The funds may also be used to support Ben with any equipment he may need.

Thank you so much for your continued support.

7.5% of all donations to Tree of Hope in relation to this appeal will be allocated to the general charitable purposes of Tree of Hope to cover our core operating costs.

If we raise insufficient funds, or surplus funds, then the funds will be used, if appropriate, to fund support for our child’s needs in accordance with Tree of Hope’s charitable objects. If in those circumstances we are unable to use all or part of the funds for the benefit of our child in accordance with Tree of Hope’s charitable objectives, then any funds that cannot be used will be transferred to be used for the general charitable purposes of Tree of Hope.