Fundraising for Kevin brings added joy to another family
A FAMILY have spoken of their relief that a treatment they worked so hard to raise money to buy for their grandson is paying off.
The News Guardian reported in May how baby Kevin Churchill was suffering from placiocephaly, more commonly known as flat head syndrome.
The youngster had been born prematurely and weighed just 2lb 10oz, and the condition left him with restricted movement on his left-hand side and potential problems with balance and co-ordination.
The family were made aware of a treatment in the form of a helmet, but it is unavailable on the NHS as it is deemed as 'cosmetic', so they had to pay for it privately.
Kind-hearted readers got in touch with the family and donated funds which have allowed them to not only pay for the helmet for Kevin, but help another family from Sunderland who were in the same position as them.
Speaking from her home in Holy Cross, Wallsend, Grandma Debra Churchill said: "It is just amazing how far he has come on, and the helmet has made such a difference to him as there has been a dramatic change.
"We have had businesses giving us donations and then anonymous donations.
"A coffee morning in Cullercoats donated money and we can't thank them enough, it has brought us to tears how kind everyone has been."
The family raised so much money that when they heard about a similar family in the same position in Sunderland they donated some money to them, and now Gracie Brown has been fitted with a helmet too.
The Churchill family, who celebrated Kevin's first birthday in June, still have regular trips to Leeds where the specialist assesses how he is doing, and he is expected to have to wear the helmet for at least another three months, and possibly more depending on results.
Debra has now set up a support group for parents and families who are dealing with the condition, and Kevin's face is set to be posted around the world on flyers raising awareness of the condition after being approached by a PR company.
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Weather for Whitley Bay
Thursday 24 May 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 10 C to 19 C
Wind Speed: 10 mph
Wind direction: North east
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 8 C to 18 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
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