The first thing you notice about Jude is the cheeky smile which permanently lights up his face. Aged 6 and living on the Wirral, Jude is the most lovable, funny and determined little boy you could ever wish to meet. He loves nothing better than being out in the fresh air, going for walks or playing with his Pinky Ponk.

Jude was born prematurely at 28 weeks weighing 3lb 4oz and spent 10 weeks on the neonatal unit. When he was discharged from hospital, a routine scan found that he had suffered brain damage. When he was 2 years old, this was confirmed as spastic diplegic cerebral palsy. Jude currently can use a walker for short distances but, due to the stiffness and discomfort in his legs, he tires very quickly and requires a wheelchair to get around most of the time.

Jude has regular physio and hydrotherapy to help with his CP and during the summer had Botox treatment in his legs which significantly helped with his mobility. However, these are just short-term solutions.

Jude has recently been offered the chance to have Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy (SDR) surgery to permanently remove the spasticity in his legs. This isn't available for Jude on the NHS, meaning it must be self-funded. The surgery itself costs £16,000. Post surgery, Jude is going to need intensive physio rehab for 2 years together with continuous focus at home to build his muscle strength, and help him learn new patterns of movement to make it safer and easier for him to mobilise independently. Further funds would be used for the intensive physiotherapy and specialist equipment required during the two years following surgery. 

This operation would be life-changing for Jude and would, without doubt, give him a much better quality of life and the opportunity to live with a fair degree of independence.

Thank you so much for reading Jude’s story and thank you for your support

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