A local appeal to help Moray eight-year-old Corey Gillies has seen a flood of donations that has fully funded the specialist buggy he needs – with money left over to help another disabled child in the county.
Newlife Foundation for Disabled Children called on ‘local heroes’ to help fund a £2,045 buggy that would keep Corey, who has a complex medical condition, safe when he is out and about with his family.
Newlife already had £681 towards this vital piece of equipment – but now local donors have raised a staggering £3,800.
Mum Liza Gillies, who has been overwhelmed by the support, said: “I would like to thank everyone for their generosity and kindness. I know Corey will truly appreciate everything everyone has done for him. This buggy is going to make a huge difference to family life.”
Corey needs the simple piece of specialist equipment so he can do the sorts of things most children his age take for granted – going shopping with mum, taking the family dog for a walk and days out with his brother.
Corey has Downs Syndrome, autism, hearing loss and low muscle tone. He gets tired very quickly and has difficulties coping with the world around him, so mum Liza Gillies uses a pushchair to get him out and about in safety. Unfortunately, Corey has outgrown the largest standard pushchair available and now needs specialist support.
Because of the cost of the equipment, Liza turned to Newlife, which issued the appeal for ‘local heroes’ to help make this happen – and you responded in number. Many of the donations, large and small, have come from local individuals, with £1,000 contributed by a local business.
Surplus funding will go into the Newlife Moray Fund – www.newlifecharity.co.uk/moray – to help other children with disabilities and terminal illness in the area.
Newlife CEO Sheila Brown, OBE, said: “Anyone struggling to access equipment through their statutory services should call our Newlife Nurse Helpline (0800 902 0095 – free from UK mobiles and landlines) to discuss their individual situation.”
Pictured: Corey Gillies
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