Life # 64 - Edmund, a 4 year old boy from China

Request: A wheelchair / contributions towards one

 

This week, 52 Lives is trying to help Edmund, a 4 year old boy from China.

 

Edmund was nominated by Katie Hill, the head nurse of Butterfly Children’s Home, an amazing charity that provides palliative care for orphaned, abandoned and very sick babies and children in China.

 

Edmund has cerebral palsy and arrived at Butterfly Home almost two years ago. When he first arrived his tiny body was pulled tight by muscle spasm and contractures. For the first few weeks he was there, he cried virtually all his waking hours. Holding him didn’t seem to make any difference. Sometimes he would even cry softly in his sleep – he must have been in such terrible, constant pain. The nurses were heartbroken to see a child in so much despair.

 

Gradually, things have been improving for Edmund and his life is becoming a little easier. His muscles still spasm, but the tension in his body is reducing. Holding him offers him comfort now, and he will stop crying when he is cuddled.

 

But Edmund spends long periods of time lying on the floor as he cannot sit in a regular chair. Taking him outside is also very difficult as he can’t lie in a regular pushchair.

 

Katie said what Edmund desperately needs is a wheelchair. It would change this little boy's life, allowing him to be taken outside more easily and letting him explore new things.

 

“Edmund is growing up, and he doesn’t want to lie down everywhere he goes. He wants to see the park, not look at the sky the whole way. A wheelchair will give him dignity, allowing him to interact with others and let him enjoy the wonderful and interesting things around him.”

 

So, this is what we need:

 

1.  A wheelchair / or donations towards one

Edmund’s nurse, Katie, has had him fitted for a wheelchair. It is the kind that will grow with him and hopefully last him for many years to come. But they simply don’t have the money to pay for it. Katie is desperate to get this for Edmund, and was about to resort to trying to somehow fund it herself. With your help, we would love to help buy it for him.

To make a donation, visit: 

http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/wheelchairforedmund or click the button below.