FAMILY MAKES PLEA FOR HELP FINDING HOME FOR MARLEY’S FINAL DAYS Options on housing are ‘running out’
ADESPERATE Paisley mum has started a crowdfunding appeal to help her severely ill daughter “enjoy the last days of her life”.
Amanda Mitchell, mum of threeyear-old Marley, has launched the fundraiser after claiming she is “running out of options” to find suitable housing for her young family.
Currently living in a cramped, two-bedroom tenement on the town’s busy Neilston Road, the family claims the accommodation is completely unsuitable for Marley’s needs – and that they have been a priority on Renfrewshire Council’s housing list for two years. Amanda and partner Edward also have a 10-year-old son, Connor.
Little Marley suffers from multiple disabilities including epilepsy, scoliosis and respiratory problems, requiring round-the-clock care and medical supplies such as a feeding tube and oxygen tank.
Marley requires her own room, but currently shares with her brother Connor.
Amanda said: “It’s tiny. There’s not even space to play with Marley in this flat as her equipment is quite bulky. It’s just so cramped and affecting us mentally, especially throughout this pandemic as we’re having to stay safe in shielding.
“We live one up in a small flat with loads of stairs and I can’t physically get Marley out to our back garden with her specialist pram, oxygen tank, suction machine and all of the other medical supplies she would need for going out.”
Due to Amanda’s full-time caring responsibilities, she is unable to work. Marley requires assistance with sitting up, standing, breathing and repositioning.
The family have explored the option of private rented accommodation but due to the substantial upfront costs, they would struggle to afford this.
Amanda added: “I know Covid has played a part last year in everyone’s life’s and the community, but we’re running out of time.
“We can’t afford to go private and friends suggested the GoFundMe campaign to help with costs. We really are running out of options.”
Marley was recently admitted to end-of-life care and her conditions are life-limiting. Amanda worries that the family are running out of time to find a home suitable for Marley’s needs.
Despite the challenges the family are facing, they are extremely close, with Marley and Connor having a particularly strong bond.
Amanda said: “I honestly couldn’t do it without my partner. Marley is a daddy’s girl. I get patched most days for him. The bond she has with her big brother Connor is like no other siblings and because Marley is different my son is turning into the most caring and loving little soul, she’s moulding him into a lovely young gentleman.”
A spokeswoman for Renfrewshire Council said: “We are doing everything we can to support this family and continue to work with them to find a suitable property that meets their needs.”