Jonty entered the world in March 2011, showing a strength and determination that many can only dream of. Despite all signs indicating he wouldn’t survive, Jonty had other ideas. As he came off life support, he defied all expectations and continues to prove medical professionals wrong time and time again.

Jonty has quadriplegic Cerebral Palsy caused by a brain injury at birth, which means he cannot crawl, walk, stand, or move independently. He also experiences epileptic seizures, making him even more dependent on adult caregivers. Despite these challenges, Jonty never fails to embrace life with both hands, throwing himself into every opportunity that comes his way. He amazes and warms the hearts of everyone he meets with his sunny personality and infectious smile.

At nine years old, Jonty’s cheeky, fun-loving personality is shining through. He’s a sport-loving adrenaline junkie who is equally happy singing with his choir, cuddling his sister, or enjoying theatre and concerts. He has tried nearly every adaptive wheelchair sport, from tennis to horse-riding, skiing to race-running in a specialist walker. Jonty has competed in two adaptive triathlons and has sung in multiple concerts and Sunday church services with the choirs he loves. He thrives on socializing with family and friends, devouring ice cream on the beach, and offering tea, coffee, or even a beer (!) to anyone who stops by.

Due to his physical disabilities, Jonty endures many hours of therapy each week and is under the care of four different consultants for his complex needs. Despite this, he lights up every room he enters, charming even complete strangers. He has worked hard to make his voice heard, improving his speech clarity so he can be understood by most people—a remarkable achievement for a child who wasn’t expected to breathe on his own.

Jonty has already beaten so many odds in his short life, and as his parents, we are inspired by him daily. We focus on what he can do to give him a life rich in experiences. Early therapies have helped him immensely, but continued expert intervention is essential for Jonty to reach his potential and live as independently as possible.

Jonty has undergone major hip surgery and several minor surgeries, but the teenage growth spurts ahead could work against him, as they often do for children with Cerebral Palsy. Seizures are also likely to increase during puberty, which could temporarily set back his progress. This is why it’s so important to maximize his therapies now.

The costs of Jonty’s care are enormous. Weekly physiotherapy, occupational therapy, music therapy, and hydrotherapy are essential, as these experts motivate and help Jonty achieve his best. Equipment is another significant expense—a specialized car seat for Jonty’s needs costs £2,000, and his walking frame cost £1,000.

Every penny raised goes toward his ongoing therapies, vital equipment no longer provided by the NHS, and surgeries where waiting lists exceed a year for children in chronic pain. Even necessary house adaptations are only partly funded—we had to contribute significantly to making our bungalow fully wheelchair accessible so Jonty could live inclusively at home.

We are incredibly grateful to everyone who donates, no matter how small the contribution. Your generosity helps ensure that Jonty receives the care and resources he needs to live his best possible life.

With love and thanks,

Jessica, Gareth, Jonty, and Imogen x

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.