A COMBER family is on a last fundraising push to raise money for an operation that will help three year-old Billy Douglas walk.
Billy suffers from a form of cerebral palsy, commonly known as spastic diplegia, which means he is unable to walk unaided. However, there is a relatively new operation called SDR (selective dorsal rhizotomy), which will remove the spasticity in the muscles to allow Billy to walk.
This operation, along with the aftercare, costs between £50,000 to 60,000, as up to three years of physiotherapy is required after the operation.
So back in September of last year, the Help Billy Walk Appeal was started, with the aim of raising the money by Billy’s fourth birthday on September 19.
“Quickly, word of this appeal spread throughout local communities and businesses and support has grown, aided by publicity in newspapers and local radio stations,” said Billy’s mum Savien, who describes Billy as a chatty three year-old who is “into everything”.
“Ballygowan MLA Robert Gibson is taking a personal interest in the appeal and it was even mentioned by Jim Shannon MP in a Westminster debate about NHS funding for SDR.
“Now the Appeal has raised over £45,000, the possibility of having the operation is looking greater each day.”
There are two possible locations for the major operation — Bristol and Missouri, a decision on which will be made by doctors shortly. If Bristol is a non-runner, the operation will have to take place in America.
“This would involve a six week visit along with regular six month check-ups over the next two years,” explained Savien.
So in preparation for the operation Billy is now receiving physiotherapy twice a week, along with swimming lessons, in a bid to increase his muscle strength.
“This physiotherapy has meant that Billy has been given the confidence and determination to make the most the opportunity that is set before him,” his mum continued. “This has led to Billy being able to take his first tentative steps recently, which he was able to do for the doctors in Bristol at a recent appointment.”
With specialist physiotherapy and mobility equipment required over the next three years the Help Billy Walk appeal is looking for some form of sponsorship to able to provide the best possible care.
“Until this is found the Appeal will continue the fundraising over the next couple of months,” said Savien. “We would like to give special thanks to the following people who have made this appeal such a success: The Tree of Hope Children’s Charity; Molly Browns, Newtownards; The Auld House, Moneyrea; The Premier, Lurgan; Fred Storey, Comber; Johnny Brooks; Con Jovi; Sammy Pollock; North Down DJ’s and Gillian Mayne to name but a few.
“Over the past couple of months, the support has been tremendous, although it is not too late for more people to lend their support in any way that they can.
The list of upcoming fundraising events can all be found on the appeal website www.helpbillywalkappeal.co.uk.
Anyone wishing to make a donation, or help in any way is asked to email helpbillywalk@hotmail.co.uk. Cheques can be made payable to Help Billy Walk Appeal c/o 11A Magherascouse Road, Comber, BT23 5RT.
Join the Help Billy Walk Appeal facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/www.helpbillywalk/