Glyn “Jonathan” Burrell sadly passed away on 1 March 2015.

Jonathan, as he preferred to be called, was born on 23 November 1985  and was diagnosed with type 2 SMA at the age of one.  He was one of the founder members of the Jennifer Trust, from which he received funding towards the one of the first turbo powered electric wheelchairs at the age of 3.  
Jonathan gained independence from using his Turbo, and this enabled him not only to attend playgroups etc but to integrate fully with his peers.  He pioneered the concept of SMA children attending mainstream schools.  He took the school by storm, made them look up and changed  their way of thinking about disabled children completely.  Ramps were put in, lifts were installed. Jonathan had arrived!!  

Jonathan was highly intelligent, receiving the London Borough of Havering Young Citizen of the Year award in 1996, and after leaving school he studied Computer science at college.  This included music production and web design.  In 2003 He was honoured for his efforts.

Jonathan was very close to his brother Chris growing up.  They shared a passion for football, going out and doing no good, as all children should.   Falling out of his wheelchair, or maybe kicking the ball and breaking a window.  They were complete gamers, even getting there mum heavily involved, and eventually becoming a gaming genius, playing with his best mates, Francis and Ashley.  

Jonathan and his younger brother George,  shared a love of WWE wrestling.  Jonathan would role play with George and George would dress as various wrestlers as part of the fun.  This was very dear to them.
Jonathan  loved music from an early age and was often seen putting records on the record player.  This love of music would shape his future life.  He became an internet DJ, creating with his friends GAME ON RADIO, hence MINGLE WAS  BORN.  He was always singing and his room was a hive of activity.

The Internet fast became Jonathan’s WINDOW to the world.  Facebook, Second Life and on-line gambling were his passions.  His friendships grew worldwide, this included personal and loving relationships.  
Jonathan was employed by Warnborough College as a Website Manager, a role he loved and was highly thought of by his colleagues.  He also voluntarily ran his Brother George’s Football club website.

Jonathan was a happy, vibrant, intelligent man.  With a Warm, Kind Heart he had time for everyone including his dear Nephews Justin and Archie and their mum Hayley.   He never pre-judged and always listened to others, he was, many say, wise beyond his years.  He brought joy into the life of all those who came into contact with him, his carers, his mum and dad and all his friends.  His laughter would resonate around the house……

He is an inspiration not only to those who have the same condition, but to everyone who has had the privilege of knowing him and his legacy will live on through Spinal Muscular Atrophy UK (formerly the Jennifer Trust)  
Jonathan was excited about the prospects of stem cell research and SMA.  Any donation you give will help to further this work.