Warwick tot carries on smiling

Edward Jakes is 16 months old and was born with a rare chromosome abnormality which delayed his development and means he needs easy access to oxygen when being taken out for walks in his buggy.

Whether Edward learns to walk remains to be seen. But the support that the family have received from Staffordshire-based Newlife Foundation - which has already given more than 140 grants towards the welfare of disabled and terminally ill children in Warwickshire - has led them to ask others to consider choosing the charity when they are looking for someone to donate to at fundraising events.

Edward’s dad, Nicholas, said: “Newlife gave us £1,300 towards the cost of a £3,542 buggy which offers Edward additional support for his head, hips and arms and has a dedicated place to put the oxygen cylinder.

“Having the right equipment for Edward has given us the confidence to take him out more and this means he can be included in more family 
activities.

“I think sometimes Edward can feel isolated and the more included he is the more he laughs - and he has a lovely little chuckle so we can tell from his reactions that he’s enjoying himself.”

Newlife Foundation chief executive Sheila Brown said: “With statutory services across the UK implementing continued budget cuts, we expect to see more and more families turn to the foundation for help.”

To find out more call 0800 988 4640.