Members of Flint and District Lions Club have been busy fundraising to help Connahs Quay two-year-old Aaron Jones, who needs a specialist walker to help improve his mobility.
The local Lions club has raised £250 – with another £874 donated by their colleagues in neighbouring areas – to help leading UK children’s disability charity Newlife Foundation provide the equipment.
Aaron has a condition called Hypoxia Ischaemia Encephalopathy, which is caused by not enough oxygen getting to the brain. As a result of this, he experiences seizures and is developing Cerebral Palsy.
Mum Karen Jones said: “Aaron is not able to move around by himself but he loves to be on the move – either being carried or in his pushchair. For him to be able to get around independently would be amazing – and a specialist walker could help him do this. He has had the opportunity to trial a walker at nursery and he really liked it. We think that this equipment is just what he needs so he can get out with the other children and develop a bit of independence.”
She added: “It would be a big help at home, too, because it would mean that Aaron could use it out in our garden and enjoy the freedom of being outdoors.”
The specialist equipment would also provide appropriate postural support, keep him secure and help respiratory and digestive functions. However, it costs £2,125 so the Jones family turned to leading UK children’s disability charity Newlife Foundation for help. Newlife has funded 31 Equipment Grants for children in Flintshire, totalling £32,333.
The charity launched an appeal – through the Flintshire Chronicle – for ‘local heroes’ to help fundraise for Aaron. And members of Flintshire and District Lions Club stepped forward.
Newlife Fundraising Manager Nora Smith said: “We are very grateful for the support of these Lions clubs – and we are putting every penny of their donations to good use, helping to fund the walker for Aaron.”
There is £995.19 outstanding, so if you think you could help fund the equipment, the Newlife Community Fundraising Team can be contacted on freephone 0800 988 4640. Any monies collected surplus to requirements for Aaron would be used to provide specialist equipment for another disabled or terminally ill child in Flintshire.
Pictured: Aaron Jones
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