By now most people will have an idea what they want for Christmas, whether it is vouchers, the latest toy, or a piece of jewellery; but for one Fleetwood boy he only has one wish this Christmas and is asking Santa for a life changing operation that will change his life forever.
Key Facts
- The procedure is called Selective Dorals Rhizotomy (SDR) and will enable kai to walk unaided for the first time
- His family are being supported by national charity Caudwell Children
- His family are trying to raise £58,000 for a life changing operation
- Kai has Spastic Diplegic Cerebral Palsy
Kai Hodgkinson(4) has Spastic Diplegic Cerebral Palsy, which means the muscles in his legs are painfully tight making it impossible for him to walk without the aid of a frame. There is hope for Kai in the form of an operation called Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy (SDR) which, combined with intensive physiotherapy, could see Kai take his first independent steps and start his journey to a completely different future.
Whilst this operation would undoubtedly change Kai’s life, his family are faced with the challenge of raising the £58,000 needed to enable them to travel to St Louis Missouri and make Kai’s dream come true. So far they have raised over £12,000 but still have a long way to go.
When we first stated fundraising we did hope that Kai would have had his operation in time for Christmas, but unfortunately raising the money has proved to be harder than anticipated. The local community have been very supportive with people running marathons, local businesses holding fundraising days and much more, but unfortunately it hasn’t been enough. It is vitally important that Kai has the operation sooner rather than later as the longer he waits for the procedure the higher the possibility of him ending up in a wheelchair. It breaks my heart that as parents we can’t give Kai the only thing he wants this Christmas.”
Kai's mum Caron
:”This operation really does change lives and to date we have helped 30 children and their families raise the funds needed. The difference this operation makes is amazing and we are asking that this Christmas when people are thinking of buying gifts they think of Kai and make a donation to his appeal or organise a fundraising activity to help him gain the independence that he deserves”
Caudwell Children CEO, Trudi Beswick