You can help grant more freedom and independence to children like Millie
MILLIE Fountain is not like other six-yearolds.
She was born with global development delay, epilepsy and a cleft lip and palate which means she can’t walk and talk and struggles with everyday life.
But Millie, from Sunderland, can get around with the help of a specialist walker at school and enjoy a little bit more independence.
Because the walker belongs to the school she is unable to take it home and to have a personal walker would cost mum Dionne and dad Stephen thousands of pounds.
The family applied to the Sunshine Fund for help and they chose Millie to be part of their Christmas Appeal where they aim to raise £20,000 to change the lives of local children. The fund dedicates their time to purchasing specialist equipment for North East children with disabilities but they can’t do it without your help.
Mum Dionne, 29, said: “It would just give her so much more freedom. I think she feels left out when she sees her cousins running around and she can’t.
“She gets quite frustrated in her wheelchair but when she’s in her walker, she runs wild!
“Without it we have to carry her around a lot and as she gets bigger. My back is feeling the pain.
“It would just be amazing for her to have that freedom and be able to enjoy herself like every other kid, which is the main thing.
“It would make a huge difference for us too because we’d be able to take it to parties and we could relax and not worry about her being on the floor and being trampled on.”
To donate to the Christmas Appeal, text SUNF18 £3, £5 or £10 to 70070.