Fundraising for Ben is going to be an ongoing project, as he will always need equipment/ therapies that are not provided by the NHS. We have a constant list of new things Ben needs or would benefit from.

Top of our list at the moment is a special needs car seat, a gait trainer (walker) and some special needs computer equipment. The car seat we would like has a swivel base, which would be a huge help as Ben is very long, and it is very hard to get him in and out of the car. They are about £800-900. The gait trainer is a walking aid, he currently has one on loan from the archie foundation, but this has to go back at the end of March. He is doing really well in it, and loves to walk about the kitchen turning the washing machine on and off:) The one he uses is a Rifton Pacer size 2 and is about £1800. He has access to special needs computer equipment at school and loves using it. Everyone is very impressed at how well he can use it and its great to see him having so much fun. The equipment he would need is a touch screen monitor and some special hardware and software.

These three things are just the top of a long and ever growing list. We have a few fundraising ideas, but would love any ideas or help. We have booked St Andrews church hall for the 10th May 2008 (10.45am-1.30pm), and Ferryhill community centre on the 14th June 2008. We are going to have a home bakes, raffle, second hand sale that day. We would love any donations of raffle prizes/ chocolate tombola/ etc, please get in touch if you can help.

Gavin and his dad are in the process of organising a sponsored skydive/ paracute jump in the summer.

As the fundraising is for an individual (Ben) we are not classed as a charity, and not registered as one. But all accounts will be able to be viewed if required. Any equpiment that we buy through fundraised money will be passed on to another disabled child when Ben outgrows it. If you would like to make a donation please get in touch through one of the “contact us”details. Any donation would be very welcome and very much apprieciated!!