With his new special P-Pod seat, two-year-old Harrison Thompson from Wainfleet in Lincolnshire is able to sit in comfort and safety with his family getting the essential postural support he needs. With his very own seat he can now interact with his three-year-old brother Lennon creating memories that will last forever, thanks to Newlife, the Charity for Disabled Children.
Harrison has Spinal Muscular Atrophy type 1 which causes severe muscle weakness. Harrison’s condition has resulted in him having low muscle tone and very little head control. He is unable to walk and crawl and does not have much strength in his arms.
Harrison needed a P-Pod as his only option for seating was a plastic chair that he could tolerate for an hour at a time because he was so uncomfortable.
Mum Jodie Dewy said: “Before we got the P-Pod it was very difficult for Harrison to interact with us comfortably. He doesn’t sit in his functional seat often. Because it’s plastic he starts to sweat after a while. Sitting on our knee is OK but does not offer him the postural support needed due to his low muscle tone.”
With the family’s local statutory services unable to fund the £1,177 P-Pod, they turned to Newlife – the largest charity funder of specialist equipment for children with disabilities and terminal illness in the UK.
A moulded seat on a beanbag style base, a P-Pod provides comfort and appropriate support to help prevent further health issues. Harrison’s P-Pod also has a cooling lining offering him extra comfort. The seat is portable so it can be used anywhere in the house or garden.
Sarah added: “Harrison’s P-Pod enables him to interact with the family more while offering him the correct head and postural support. It’s a lovely addition to our home because now Harrison can sit with Lennon while watching TV. He will be able to spend time with us in different rooms safely. The seat also has a tray so Harrison can play with his toys. Harrison feels more included now as he has his very own chair like his big brother.”
Newlife has funded specialist equipment for 126 children in Lincolnshire, worth over £140,000. If you think you could help a child in the area, go to www.newlifecharity.co.uk/Lincolnshire for further details.
If you would like to find out more about Newlife the Charity for Disabled Children and how to access its services, call the Newlife Nurse Helpline on 0800 902 0095 or go to www.newlifecharity.co.uk. The website also includes contact details for the Newlife County Liaison Team – 01543 431 444 or email local@newlifecharity.co.uk.
Pictured: Harrison Thompson
Web: https://newlifecharity.co.uk
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/newlifecharity
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/newlifethecharity/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/newlifethecharity
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Newlifethecharity
