Rebecca Ford from Poole in Dorset can be a bundle of fun, with lots of happy girly giggles and a diva attitude, but because the six-year-old has Cerebral Palsy which affects both her arms and legs, she spends all of her time in a wheelchair as she is not happy lying down. However, with your help, she could have a standing frame at home which would give her a real sense of freedom.

Rebecca has severe learning difficulties, no head control, both hips are dislocated, she is fed through a tube and she needs help to keep her airways clear. She also has circulation issues – which is why having a standing frame at her Parkstone home is so important.

Not only would the standing frame bring a variety of health benefits – including helping her posture, bone density, muscle strength and the function of her internal organs – it would mean she could enjoy the simple pleasure of standing up and having the freedom to change position, which would help her avoid painful pressure sores on her skin. It would also enable her to have more fun with her mum, Nicki, and four-year-old brother, Nathan, and see the world from a different perspective.

Now Newlife Foundation for Disabled Children is looking for ‘local heroes’ who can help us make this happen. We already have £545 towards this vital piece of equipment, which costs £1,633, but still need £1,088 to fund the standing frame.

Mum Nicki Brealy said: “She uses a standing frame at school but the hospital said she would really benefit from having one at home, so she could continue with her routine of standing and moving during the weekends and school holidays. But the hospital say statutory services should fund it – and statutory services says the hospital should fund it. I found out about Newlife from Rebecca’s school and contacted them for help.

“Having a standing frame would be much better for Rebecca’s health and being able to stand up when she’s at home means she won’t be sitting on her bottom all day, which can cause pressure sores on her skin. There are also lots of health benefits from being able to stand up regularly.

“I would be able to do much more with Rebecca and her brother. She would have more freedom and be able to be more a part of things.”

We need donors and fundraisers who want to really make a difference, helping us transform Rebecca’s everyday life. To find out how you can support Rebecca, go to www.newlifecharity.co.uk/dorset. Alternatively, contact the Newlife County Liaison Team on 01543 431 444, email local@newlifecharity.co.uk.

Newlife guarantees that 100 per cent of monies donated or fundraised in Dorset will be used to specifically help children with disabilities and terminal illness in the county. Any money raised surplus to requirements for Rebecca will be used to help other local children.

Pictured: Rebecca Ford

Web: https://newlifecharity.co.uk
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/newlifecharity
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/newlifefoundation
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/NewlifeFoundation
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/NewlifeFoundation