Team David - we're helping to raise funds for much needed adaptations to transform David's home into an accessible and inclusive space as he grows.

David is a miracle - he has faced so many difficulties and challenges in his short life. He is an integral part of his family (Mum - Heather, Dad - Colin, big brother - Nathan and twin sister - Grace). He teaches many people about love; what it means to love and to be loved.

David and Grace were born at 24 weeks gestation in September 2018. David sustained a brain injury at birth, which has resulted in profound disabilities. He has quadriplegic cerebral palsy, bilateral hearing loss, cerebral visual impairment, severe dystonia, epilepsy, a complex gut and hip displacement. He is non verbal, non mobile and relies on bulky equipment to help with postural care and positioning as well as medical equipment to help keep him in the best health possible. David's family communicate with him using Canaan Barrie on body signs.

At almost 5 years old, David still sleeps in his parents'' bedroom. We need to get to him quickly throughout the night when he needs help. He has an unsafe swallow and relies on a suction machine to keep his airways clear and minimise the risk of aspiration. When he coughs, struggles with reflux or vomits, his parents need to be quick to act. David doesn't have paid carers, and his Mum and Dad are regularly up and down several times during the night to care for him and ensure he is safe.

David's parents were told that we would need to create a bedroom downstairs for David but this simply would not fit his needs (or theirs). He needs to be upstairs, where the rest of his family sleeps. The family then created bespoke plans to create an inclusive and accessible family home for David's future, allowing him space to grow (as well as space for growing equipment that he needs).

Plans include significant changes to the family home: building a bedroom and bathroom for David, creating a changing space downstairs, a height adjustable bath, a through the floor lift, a garage conversion, reconfiguring space to create a hallway and access, widening doors and a concrete ramp.

David's parents both work and juggle caring commitments. They have saved incredibly hard to make changes to the family home. Covid and Brexit have significantly impacted the expected costs. Initially they were told that the work could have been covered for £80,000. However, they have since been quoted £135,000. They had hoped to add any additional costs to their mortgage, but, with mortgage rates also increasing, this is no longer feasible. They now find relying on fundraising to help bridge the deficit.

Plans were drawn up when David was 2 years old. He's now almost 5 and the family are feeling the strain on their bodies from carrying him around the house, especially up and down stairs. planning permission expires in November 2023 and we are really feeling the pressure to begin the work before then.

Any additional funds raised will help with floor coverings, tiles for wetroom and internal cupboard doors, which have not been included in costings.

Can you help us to help the Goring family create these much needed changes to David's family home?