Memory of little boy lives on through foundation
FIVE YEARS OF HELPING SICK CHILDREN IN TRIBUTE TO JOSEPH
The memory of an inspirational Sunderland youngster is helping to improve the lives of others five years on.
The Joseph George Fucile Fund was set up just a few months after the 16-monthold died in October 2012.
His parents, Darren and Janine, have continued to battle through the fund to ensure their son’s memory will live on in helping youngsters with special needs.
The fund has raised more than £30,000 so far and touched the lives of scores of children in the region and their families.
Among the latest to benefit from Joseph’s fund is nine-year-old Hartlepool youngster, James FewsterSmith, who suffers from MASA syndrome, a neurological disorder, and needed a specialised bed.
And disabled Durham youngster Ali Hafiz recieved £215 from the fund to help towards getting his Wizzybug, a specialised wheelchair for small children.
Darren, 43, said he is very grateful to everyone who helps the charity, including property company, Gemini, which has offered a package to use the Stadium of Light box, worth more than £1,000, which the charity is currently raffling off.
Darren said: “It is great to see local businesses supporting local charities. Without this kind of support we couldn’t continue to help some very special children.”
Joseph suffered from a form of Rett Syndrome known as MeCP2, and had respiratory problems, seizures and low muscle tone.
Darren and Janine, 42, who are also parents to 17-year-old Alicia, said: “Not only has the fundraising kept Joseph’s memory alive, it has also let us meet some really inspirational people and beautiful children.”
Anyone interested in taking part in the raffle for the football prize should visit https://www.justgiving.com/ crowdfunding/darren-fucilecharityrafflehelpsomespecialchildren
To find out more about the charity visit www.josephgeorgefucilefund.org.uk