“This Christmas could change my son’s life”

Caudwell Children is calling for the local community to rally behind a fundraising campaign to buy a disabled boy the Christmas gift of a lifetime.

 

Twelve-year-old Ewan Stevenson, from Meir in Stoke on Trent, has Cerebral Palsy and requires a wheelchair for his day to day needs. He currently has a manual wheelchair but his condition causes weakness in his arms and is therefore proving a problem for the Sandon High pupil.

 

Caudwell Children, is campaigning for the family to help buy a specialist Balder F290 Powerchair for Christmas, which will allow Ewan to do things for the very first time and help his independence as he becomes a teenager.

 

Ewan’s Mother, Lisa Stevenson, said “You would not believe how much this piece of equipment will change Ewan’s life. He is nearly a teenager now and having some independence will just mean so much to him and all of us.

 

Things that seem small to us will become possible for Ewan for the first time, like going to the shops with friends, visiting his Nan down the road when he chooses or going places with his brother Liam. It will all mean so, so much to him.

 

Ewan is now at an age where he knows his disability is preventing him from doing things like other kids his age. At school it will mean he can finally join in with activities and enjoy break times with his friends. He will be able to get around easier and independently.

 

I just can’t put in to words how amazing this would be. This equipment for Christmas will be life changing and the best present he could wish for.”

 

The state-of-the-art Balder F290 Powerchair costs £19,000 and will allow Ewan to easily manoeuvre himself from sitting or lying to an upright position without the need for intervention. Instead of relying on people to push him, Ewan will be able to get around easily by himself and raise his chair to be at the same level as his peers, increasing his confidence substantially. The standing position will also provide vital physiotherapy, providing Ewan with health benefits as well as comfort.

 

Lisa added “This will be an important part of becoming a teenager for Ewan. Because of the standing function on the chair he can’t wait to do his own breakfast for the first time, put things away on his own and get himself a drink. I’m a walking robot for Ewan at the moment, but he wants to be able to do things for himself.”

 

Caudwell Children provide direct donations of treatment, therapy and equipment for sick and disabled children throughout the UK. Vital fundraising takes place throughout the year to provide youngsters like Ewan with life changing equipment.

 

Trudi Beswick is the CEO of Caudwell Children, she said: “The family contacted the Charity after being made aware of the  work we do through their care worker and stories in the local press. We are now eager to help aid Ewan’s progress and make this Christmas for him and his family that extra bit special, by providing him with an appropriate wheelchair.

 

A chair such as this costs over £19,000 and we are asking kind-hearted members of the local community to help us provide this life-changing equipment by contributing to the fundraising or by holding their own Charity event. Any help is gratefully received and should we raise over the required amount the funds will be used to support another donation for a similar sick or disabled child.”

 

Anybody wishing to help raise funds for Ewan’s appeal are urged to contact the Charity immediately or visit www.justgiving.com/the-ewan-stevenson-appeal

 

For more information call Claire Proctor on 01782 600262 or email claire.proctor@caudwellchildren.com