Ashton, our gorgeous 3 year old bundle of joy and energy was struck with suspected Acute Flaccid Myelitis in October within 48 hours. AFM is caused by a viral infection that attacks the grey matter of the spinal cord. It leaves sufferers with limb weakness and paralysis. Ashton was hit very acutely and severely not only in his spinal cord, but also his brain stem. He is currently tracheostomy ventilated, tube fed and paralysed.

We are raising money to obtain the best possible equipment for his rehabilitation, such as a FES bike, NMES/swiss stim unit, molli suit, weight bearing and standing equipment and to be able to access extra private neuro physiotherapy to give our beautiful blue eyed boy the best possible chance of moving again.

AFM is a virus that usually causes symptoms such as the common cold, but in rare cases can cause paralysis as seen in the past with the polio virus. Cases are increasing in numbers every two years, as seen more dramatically in the USA and can happen to anyone. As yet there is no proven cause, effective treatment protocol or cure. This has devastated our family, but we want to give our adorable boy, who even now charms all he meets, including his wonderful nurses and therapists in PICU the best possible chance of recovery.

Thank you 😘