Luke Maskew
Luke's Run For Olivia!
Fundraising for Just4Children
Story
This is my beautiful little niece, Olivia. Olivia is 5 years old and a truly loving, wholesome little individual with more determination than anyone I know. She is the daughter of my sister, Sarah.
Olivia was born at 30 weeks with her identical twin, Jorgie (aka. The Terror Twin - but equally adorable).
The Twins (as they're now affectionately known) spent their first weeks in intensive care where Olivia unfortunately developed a bleed on her brain. Following an MRI scan, Olivia was later diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy.
After a very intense assessment of Olivia at Alderhey Hospital in Liverpool, Olivia was lucky enough to fit the criteria for Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy (SDR) Surgery. SDR surgery is a surgical procedure that aims to reduce spasticity in the lower limbs. SDR can be effective in treating spasticity by cutting the nerve rootlets in the spinal canal that are sending abnormal signals to the muscles. SDR is not a cure for cerebral palsy, but will aim to improve her quality of life and mobility.
Olivia spent 4 weeks in Liverpool hospital, 2 hours away from her home in lovely Wolverhampton (another recruit to the Yam Yam Army). I'm pleased to report that the operation was a success but what follows is as a very intensive rehabilitation period.
The SDR Surgery has started a long journey for Olivia (not that she shows it). She will not see immediate improvements, but should start seeing progress after a very intense 2 year physio programme.
This is the purpose of the fundraise!
The Government do not provide for the appropriate levels of physiotherapy, which Olivia requires to give her the best opportunity of improvements.
Olivia is not afraid of hard work, so she will succeed. Let's give her the best chance!