Four-year-old Keiley Gough is now safe at night, thanks to the emergency loan of a specialist bed.
Keiley, from Southampton, has a neurological condition and her future is unknown. Whilst she can’t walk, she can crawl and pulls herself into a standing position. Keiley has little awareness of danger and so was sleeping in a child’s cot; however, she started sliding, head first, over the side rails, putting herself at risk.
Mum Allana Rossiter said: “Statutory services weren’t interested in funding a specialist high sided bed for Keiley so her occupational therapist told us to contact Newlife Foundation for help.”
Newlife Foundation for Disabled Children is the UK’s largest charity provider of specialist equipment for children with disabilities and terminal illness.
Newlife delivered just what Keiley needed within a few days, through its Emergency Equipment Loans service. The bed has high sides so she can’t climb out and is padded to provide a low stimulation environment which encourages sleep. It also means she won’t hurt herself if she bangs against the sides.
But Keiley needs a permanent bed of her own to ensure her long-term safety – and Newlife is looking for ‘local heroes’ to help make this happen. The equipment costs £6,440.
If you would like to support Keiley in getting her permanent bed, go to: www.newlifecharity.co.uk/hampshire and click on the Donate button next to her story.
Allana said: “Since we got the emergency loan bed Keiley is sleeping much better – and so are the rest of the family as we aren’t constantly worried about her. There are three older children and the equipment is benefitting them as they no longer have to hear Keiley crying all night. She still wakes up, but I know I can leave her to play and then settle herself back to sleep. We back that up with a baby monitor.”
Newlife has provided £621,635 of equipment for 402 disabled children in Hampshire and is currently working with a further 24 families with equipment needs totalling £68,870.
The website includes contact details for the Newlife County Liaison Team – tel no 01543 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.
Newlife guarantees that 100 per cent of monies donated or fundraised in Hampshire will be used to specifically help children with disabilities and terminal illness in the county.
Pictured: Keiley Gough
Web: https://newlifecharity.co.uk
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