Two-year-old Benjamin Davey from Dunbar urgently needs a specialist comfy chair so he has somewhere safe to sit at home to recover from illness after he has been discharged from hospital.
Newlife Foundation for Disabled Children is looking for ‘local heroes’ who can help us make this happen. We already have £324 towards this vital piece of equipment, which costs £972. But we still require £648. We need donors and fundraisers who want to really make a difference, helping us transform Benjamin’s everyday life.
To find out how you can support Benjamin, go to www.newlifecharity.co.uk/eastlothian and click on the Donate button next to his story. Alternatively, contact the Newlife County Liaison Team on 01543 431 444, email local@newlifecharity.co.uk.
Benjamin has microlissencephaly, which means his brain has failed to develop normally, as well as cerebral palsy, epilepsy, developmental delay and a visual impairment. He needs to be posturally supported at all times and the only appropriate seating the family currently has is a rigid functional chair which is only suitable for mealtimes.
A specialist P-Pod chair – based on a bean bag concept with postural support – will give him a safe and comfortable place to sit and relax.
Mum of three Alexandra Davey said: “Benjamin can’t relax on the sofa like the rest of the family, he would just fall off. He has high muscle tone and he tends to arch his back so his hips pop forward. The P-Pod offers all the support he needs, but is padded for comfort and has a five-point harness to keep him secure.
“When we go to our local hospice we see a lot of children in P-Pods and they always look more comfortable than Benjamin. This seating would mean he could actually spend more time with the family in the lounge.”
The P-Pod would be especially helpful when he is recovering from illness at home and give him an alternative from being in bed, isolated from family life.
Alexandra said: “Benjamin has had recurrent bouts of pancreatitis over the summer, as well as chickenpox which completely floored him. In the same period he has also had three respiratory infections and required intravenous feeds, oxygen and a blood transfusion.”
Newlife has already helped provide specialist equipment for 16 children in East Lothian, at a cost of £28,351.
If you think you could help Benjamin, go to www.newlifecharity.co.uk/eastlothian Newlife guarantees that 100 per cent of monies donated or fundraised in East Lothian will be used to specifically help children with disabilities and terminal illness in the county. Any money raised surplus to requirements for Benjamin will be used to help other local children.
Pictured: Benjamin Davey
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