In the heart of Stone, there’s a family whose strength and love know no bounds. The Holmes family is tirelessly working to change the life of their beloved 9-year-old son, Charlie.
Born prematurely at 30 weeks in 2014, Charlie has been battling Quadriplegic Cerebral Palsy with a heart full of joy. They are rallying to raise funds for a specialised operation called Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy (SDR), a beacon of hope for improving Charlie’s mobility and quality of life.
Meet Charlie
Meet Charlie, a radiant and spirited 9-year-old boy. Full of chatter and smiles, Charlie’s spirit is infectious. He’s a full-time wheelchair user, as Quadriplegic Cerebral Palsy has taken away his ability to walk or stand unaided. Not too far from him, you’ll find his twin brother, Freddie, who has bravely fought the same battle. Freddie underwent the SDR operation in 2019, generously funded by the NHS, and has since seen wondrous improvements in his life. The Holmes family dreams of giving Charlie the same life-altering chance.
The Hope That SDR Brings
SDR stands as a symbol of hope. It’s a neurosurgery that aims to ease or take away the tightness in the body, often caused by Cerebral Palsy. This tightness, or spasticity, is due to abnormal communication between the brain and the nerves. By carefully cutting the nerve rootlets in the spinal canal that send these abnormal signals, SDR can drastically improve the quality of life and mobility for those with Cerebral Palsy. Though not a cure, SDR carries the promise of a brighter tomorrow.
A Plea for Charlie
Here’s where hearts can come together for Charlie. He doesn’t meet the strict NICE criteria for NHS funding for the operation. However, Alder Hey Children’s Hospital has graciously agreed to perform the surgery privately. The cost of this beacon of hope is £16,000. And as Charlie bravely fights through recovery, he’ll need private physiotherapy. This is why the family is aiming for £20,000.
Just4Children stands beside the Holmes family in this heartfelt cause. This charity, with its noble purpose, is dedicated to the relief of sickness and preservation of the health of children and young people under 25 in the UK and Ireland.
The Holmes family, with love in their hearts, have raised over £7,000. But the road ahead calls for more. By sharing Charlie’s story, there’s hope that the family hit their goal.
To make a donation, please visit Charlie’s Just Giving Page – www.teamholmesvscp.com.
You can also join Charlie’s journey and lend your support through his Instagram: TeamHolmes Vs CP.
