With his hi-tech specialist equipment, 14-year-old Ali Daysal from Edmonton in Greater London is able to interact with his family in safety and comfort.
Ali has a neurological disorder which has resulted in him having learning difficulties. That, combined with Scoliosis means he requires support from an adult with all his daily care needs. Ali also has Dystonic Motor Disorder; he experiences muscle contractions causing abnormal and often repetitive movements which impact on his Scoliosis.
Before receiving the new hi-tech equipment – an Acheeva Learning Station – Ali would lay on the sofa for most of the day or be in his bedroom. The Acheeva, provided at a cost of £3,000, now gives him all the postural support he needs and is a cross between a wheelchair, bed and therapy table.
Mum Serbian Daysal said: “The sofa doesn’t offer Ali any postural support and is not very comfortable for him either. He has fluid around his heart and needs to be moved often but this meant that sometimes he would be facing the back of the sofa unable to see his surroundings. We would use a lot of bedding to keep him on the furniture otherwise he was at risk of falling off.”
Serbian added: “Our Local statutory services were unable to fund the equipment that Ali desperately needed, so I turned to Newlife the Charity for Disabled Children for help. Since receiving the Acheeva, it’s been so much better for Ali. The equipment has multi functions so he can be moved into different positions, from laying down to standing. He is able to interact with the family more because he can be on the same level as us.
“He has a special pillow so it’s easier to angle him if he falls asleep. Every day he can be comfortable now. The Acheeva is perfect and Ali seems very happy in it. With Ali now under palliative care the equipment couldn’t have come at a better time, we really appreciate what Newlife has done for us. It has made a big difference.”
Newlfie is the UK’s largest charity provider of specialist equipment for children with disabilities and terminal illness and has supported 954 families in Greater London, with items totalling £1,123,727. For further information go to: https://newlifecharity.co.uk/greaterlondon
Right now, the charity is working with a further 57 families in the Greater London area with equipment needs of £34,003. If you think you can help, go to the website and donate. Alternatively, contact the Newlife County Liaison Team on 01543 431 444, email local@newlifecharity.co.uk.
Newlife guarantees that 100 per cent of monies donated or fundraised in Greater London will be used to specifically help children with disabilities and terminal illness in the capital.
Pictured: Ali Daysal
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