In order for three-year-old Jessica from Tillingham to travel in safety she needs a specialist car seat, but she has out grown her current one so it is becoming increasingly difficult to take her out in the family car safely. Newlife Foundation for Disabled Children is appealing to local heroes in Essex to help get Jessica the specialist equipment she needs.
Jessica Morris has Retts Syndrome which is a rare condition that affects development of the brain. It can cause severe physical and mental disability that begins in early childhood. It affects one in every 10-12,000 girls and is rarely seen in boys.
Jessica is an extremely happy toddler who loves animals. She attends her local pre-school three mornings a week and is currently having physiotherapy with a view to getting her walking. Jessica can put a smile on any face with her infectious laugh and beautiful smile. She is in need of a specialist car seat as it is essential for her posture and will help prevent further deterioration to her spine as she gets older.
Mum Tracey Morris said: “It’s become very difficult taking Jessica out in the car because she is no longer comfortable. She’s a tall three-year-old so transferring her in and out of the vehicle is starting to be a challenge. Because the car seat is no longer suitable we avoid taking her out in the car and have started to walk with her in her buggy.”
With the car seat Jessica needs costing £2,535 her family turned to Newlife – the largest charity funder of specialist equipment for children with disabilities and terminal illness in the UK – for help.
Getting a new car seat means Jessica will be seated correctly while maintaining her posture – making it an easier car journey for the whole family.
Tracey added: “The new car seat would make a big difference to our lives. I would be able to take Jessica out in car knowing she is safe and comfortable.”
Jessica’s is one of 23 families in the county who need specialist equipment totalling £15,309. That’s why Newlife has a dedicated Essex Fund – https://newlifecharity.co.uk/Essex which gives local people the opportunity to help local disabled children. Every penny donated or fundraised in the county is guaranteed to support families in the area.
To specifically support Jessica, go the website and click on the Donate button beside her story. Any money raised surplus to requirements for Jessica will be used to help other local children.
The website includes contact details for the Newlife County Liaison Team – 01543 431 44401543 431 444 or email local@newlifecharity.co.uk – and shows specific ways people can help support children with disability and terminal illness and their families in the county.
Pictured: Jessica Morris
Web: https://newlifecharity.co.uk
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