Help Poppy June Achieve Independence

Hello,

Thank you for visiting my JustGiving page. My name is Poppy June, and I was born at just 27 weeks and 2 days, weighing only 2lb 4oz. I spent the first weeks of my life in Neonatal Intensive Care, and it quickly became clear that I was developing differently from my twin brother, Josh.

A Life of Challenges

I was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy, Dystonia, and Athetosis, which causes muscle spasms and electric shock-like sensations throughout my body. I am also deaf and have a cochlear implant to help me hear. Despite these challenges, I’ve always worked hard to live as independently as possible, even managing to climb mountains before lockdown!

But as I’ve gotten older, things have become more difficult. At 15, I am now dependent on my wheelchair, and without the right adaptations in my home, I struggle to live the independent life I long for. My family has fought for years to get the support I need, but we’ve only received the bare minimum from South Lanarkshire Council. Now, we find ourselves choosing between my safety and my independence.

What I Need to Live Independently

All I want is the chance to live like other kids my age – to have dignity and respect. I want to be able to move freely around my own home, bathe in privacy, and help with everyday tasks like cooking meals. These are simple things that many people take for granted, but for me, they are a challenge.

Unfortunately, as I’ve grown, life at home has become harder. I can no longer move around independently, and I can’t do basic things like prepare a meal or have privacy in the bathroom. But despite these challenges, I continue to inspire others with my determination. I am proud to be a part of the Lothian Phoenix Wheelchair Basketball Club, where I recently contributed to our national success at the Junior Championships.

How You Can Help

To make my dream of independence a reality, I need help with adaptations to my home. This includes widening doorways for my wheelchair, creating an adapted bathroom, and getting kitchen equipment that will allow me to cook, socialize, and contribute to my family like everyone else. These changes will help me gain more control over my life, reducing my reliance on an already overwhelmed social care system.

With your support, I can live with dignity and continue to pursue my goals, both in my daily life and in wheelchair basketball. Any contribution, no matter how small, will have a profound impact on my life.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read my story. Your generosity means the world to me!

Upcoming Events:

Sat 6 July - Tough Mudder, Belvoir Castle

Sun 23 June - Leeds 10k

Sun 8 September - Vale of York Half Marathon

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.