Parents appeal for funding to help their little boy to walk unaided
The Melton Mowbray family of a two-year-old boy are appealing for fundraising support to help him get the treatment which would help him walk independently.
Archie Thompson has balance and co-ordination problems, as well as hyper-mobile joints, and he needs specialised physiotherapy, which would cost thousands of pounds.
His parents, Joel and Hannah, want their little boy to be able to lead a normal life playing with friends and his six-month-old baby sister, Florence.
They say it remains a mystery as to why he is unable to walk unaided but despite his challenges he is ‘such a happy boy’.
Hannah told the Melton Times: “Over the last 18 months we have had countless appointments, blood tests, MRI scans, a hospital admission, but nobody can figure out the underlying cause of Archie’s problems or give a diagnosis.
“Archie can walk assisted, crawl, and pull to stand, so it feels like with the right support one day he will be able to achieve walking on his own.”
The family would ideally like to take him to the NAPA Centre in London, where staff help children overcome unique challenges with individualised intensive therapy programmes.
But the cost of this would be around £6,000 with the family also needing to stay in the area for the three weeks it would take.
Alternatively, if they can get funding support, Archie could have some private physio sessions locally which would help his condition.
They are appealing for any help organisations or individuals can give their son.
Hannah added: “Archie is such a determined boy and hasn’t let his difficulties hold him back, but the older he gets the more frustrated he’s getting that his body won’t do what he wants.
“Archie is such a happy boy and he knows no other than the cards he’s been dealt, but he would love more than anything to be able to walk alongside his peers.
“Any amount of money that we could put towards helping Archie to walk would make the world of difference to us.”
If you would like to help fund some intense physio for Archie, go online at www.gofundme.com/f/archies-first-steps to pledge money.
You can also email the family at [email protected] if you would like to offer funding support.