Five-year-old Walsall boy Kenzy Jones is sleeping in safety, thanks to provision of specialist SafeSpace equipment by locally-based children’s disability charity Newlife Foundation.
Parents Kyla and Kiy Jones said: “We would like to say a massive thank you for the SafeSpace. It has made such a difference to our lives. Kenzy is now safe and a very happy little boy – he has a huge smile on his face when he goes to bed. He no longer hurts himself and his bruises have reduced.”
Kenzy was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder at the age of three; more recently he has experienced seizures and is being monitored for epilepsy. He previously slept in a standard cot but as has no awareness of danger he regularly injured himself on the sides, which he also climbed over – causing disruption in the bedroom he shares with his older brother who has Cerebral Palsy.
The couple held a fundraising evening in aid of Cannock-based Newlife Foundation, towards the cost of the bed. The entertainment and karaoke evening at The Brunswick pub in Wednesbury in February raised £402 towards the £5,939 SafeSpace. Newlife has funded the balance.
Kenzy’s parents added: “We would like to continue to support Newlife, as they do such a lot to help local children – and will be coming up with some fundraising ideas soon.”
Newlife has funded £867,352 of specialist equipment for disabled and terminally ill children in the West Midlands since 2005. However, a recent surge in demand for services has prompted Newlife to call for ‘local heroes’ to come forward to fundraise or donate towards the cost of specialist equipment for children in the county.
The charity is currently working with the families of another 16 children in the West Midlands, with equipment needs totalling £33,476. If you would like to donate or raise money to help fund these urgently needed items, the Newlife Community Fundraising Team can be contacted on freephone 0800 988 4640. Any individual or organisation thinking of running a fundraising event is asked to contact the team, who can offer support and guidance.
Pictured: Kenzy Jones
Web: https://newlifecharity.co.uk Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/newlifecharity Facebook: https://www. facebook.com/newlifefoundation YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/NewlifeFoundation
