Family in race against time to help 5-year-old walk
THE family of a Valley boy with cerebral palsy are in a race against time in their fundraising effort to help him walk.
Five-year-old Leelan Hitchen’s family launched the Leelan’s Chance appeal to fund the ‘life-changing’ operation, which is not available through the NHS.
Supporters have donated £12,500 - including £3,000 from the Tor View School pupil’s great-grandmother Gillian Tomlinson - but they are still some way short of the £20,000 target.
Doctors have told Leelan’s family, of Blackburn Road, Haslingden, that the selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR) surgery needs to be done as soon as possible to give him the best chance of a fuller life.
Mum Kimberley said: “We’ve called it Leelan’s Chance because it’s his one chance of walking.”
The months of lockdown have also been troubling for Leelan, whose severity of palsy is a grade four out of five, as it has ended his daily physiotherapy sessions which help to regulate his muscle tone.
Kimberley, who herself suffers from fibromyalgia and is also cared for by husband Darren, said the difference it has made to Leelan, who has three brothers and three sisters, is “horrendous”.
She said: “He’s been in a lot of pain because of the increased muscle tone. No professional will see him at the moment because it’s not safe. There’s not much they can do for us. We have had to take up a new medication, which we don’t want to do. Leelan’s also been very unsettled due to not going to school.”
The family are so grateful for the support they have had from businesses and well-wishers in Rossendale, and also, in particular, from the Accrington area where they have strong family connections.
Laura Foulger, a friend and work colleague of Leelan’s grandmother Denise Walkden, recently raised more than £200 after a gruelling sponsored walk from Blackpool to Accrington.
Kimberley, 36, added: “We couldn’t believe she even contemplated it on that day. It took her until 11 o’clock in the evening. We can’t believe the support we have had. Especially from a lot of small businesses who are struggling at the moment.”
Leelan’s fundraising page can be found by searching for ‘Leelan’s Chance’ on www.gofundme.com .
There is also a Leelans Chance Facebook page.
●● Manchester United Girls’ Regional Talent Club, Under 11 coach Emma Fletcher with, from left, Katie Prysiaznyj, Aaliyah Pearson and Dixie Thirde