Fundraisers across Greater Manchester have come to the aid of eight-year-old Levente Kerek from Bury, who has a rare genetic muscle condition, to make his family’s Christmas wish come true.
Levente has Myotubular Myopathy, which is life-limiting, and a wheelchair is vital for his mobility. He needs a specialist seat that can be switched between his manual and electric wheelchairs. His hi-tech electric wheelchair is great for use outside the home, but is too big to fit indoors. The new seat means postural support will be seamlessly maintained to help prevent additional health issues.
With no funding available from local statutory services, Levente’s family asked Newlife charity for help to buy the £1,593 seat. The charity had £531 towards the equipment, but needed another £1,062 to make it happen. Fabulous fundraisers have stepped forward to help, and now the family can expect the equipment to be delivered in the New Year.
Levente’s mum Nikoletta Veres said: “Knowing that Levente will soon be getting the new seat is a wonderful Christmas present. It will make a big difference to his everyday life.”
Newlife is the UK’s largest charity funder of specialist equipment for children with disabilities and terminal illness.
For more details about how Newlife supports families in the area, go to www.newlifecharity.co.uk/greatermanchester. 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 Manchester will be used to specifically help children with disabilities and terminal illness in the area. If you would like to help a local child, go to the website and donate.
Newlife the Charity for Disabled Children CEO Sheila Brown, OBE, said: “I know this is a busy time for families as they are preparing for the festive season, but I hope people can spare a minute to consider how they could help improve a disabled child’s life this Christmas.”
Newlife has provided specialist equipment for 453 children in Greater Manchester, at a cost of £370,492. As well as awarding grants, the charity also works with families to offer Emergency Equipment Loans, often within 72 hours of an application being made, a Play Therapy Pod service for those with complex needs and Comfort Capsules so families of terminally ill children can make memories together.
Pictured: Levente Kerek
Web: https://newlifecharity.co.uk
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/newlifecharity
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/newlifefoundation
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/NewlifeFoundation
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/NewlifeFoundation
