New car seat for Reece thanks to Rebuilding Futures Fund
Travelling in comfort and safety is something most of us take for granted. But when you’ve been left with multiple life-changing after-effects from meningitis it’s not always that simple
Funding a new specialised car seat is one way that our Rebuilding Futures Fund has been able to help a Northern Ireland family.
Having a twin pregnancy came as a shock to Dawn but she had two healthy boys delivered at the end of May 2010. All was well and life was a blur of nappies, feeds and a lively 3-year-old vying for attention. But all that was to change sadly after three weeks.
A bit off-colour
“Both the twins were off form, a bit off colour, not feeding great,” Dawn said, “and to top it all we got told it was constipation and they would settle.
“This went on for two days and two trips to the out of hours doctor and A&E before a trip down the road on the longest journey ever!
“Numerous tests and interventions were put in place, only to be told two days later that both boys had a form of meningitis.
“I can’t begin to tell you exactly what went through our heads as we were running between the twins, one in PICU and one on the ward, willing them both to survive.
“Seth thankfully has had no complications and has made a full recovery from meningitis. He has adopted a caring role for his twin, regardless of the differences that will never change between the boys.
“Reece has been left severely brain damaged, blind, epileptic and has a host of other complications that have unfortunately left him as an age-limited child."
So glad to help
Alison Yelland, Meningitis Now’s Regional Support Officer for Northern Ireland, said: “We’re so glad that our Rebuilding Futures Fund has been able to help Reece and his family with this special car seat and help keep them mobile.
“We know the devastating impact meningitis can have on individuals and families and how it can affect their ability to enjoy some of the things most people take for granted.
“Often there can be simple and practical ways to make things better, as in this case. Our Rebuilding Futures Fund can make such a difference by providing practical solutions that work for people, providing opportunity and reducing stress and anxiety.
“We’re proud to provide this unique, life-changing support.”
Our Rebuilding Futures Fund provides financial, practical and emotional support for people of all ages affected by meningitis.
It comprises four separate area – Health and Wellbeing, Opportunities, Bereavement and Specialist Equipment. Each area provides funding towards different types of support, but they are all designed to help people rebuild their futures with hope and confidence.
If you, or someone you know would benefit from the Fund please get in touch by contacting our Helpline on 0808 80 10 388.
Other charity support activity includes our popular Family Days – regional fun days out for families affected by meningitis, which Reece and his family have attended – and the Believe & Achieve programme especially for young people. Visit our Get Support pages for full details.
