Help to build pool for Rory
Water therapy will help autistic teen, 14
A West Lothian mother is hoping to raise over £2600 to build her autistic son a therapy pool in their garden so he can have a “better life”.
Lynne Milne from Livingston is fundraising on behalf of her son Rory ( 14) who has severe autism and a weak immune system leaving him unable to leave his home for long periods of time.
One of Rory’s favourite activities is being in water but due to his weak immune system he is unable to attend public swimming pools as it would result in him getting infections.
Lynne said: “He loves water and he can’t get to any of the pools or hot tubs because of infection.
“He’s been off school since October and as soon as he gets in any pool he gets an infection so we’re trying to give him something at his house that he can use.”
Rory, who could only start attending Pinewood school from the age of 10, has severe autism, hypermobile joints, sensory processing disorder, anxiety and also a weak immune system.
Lynne believes he would benefit hugely, both physically and mentally, from a carefully monitored hygienic therapy pool that he could access at home, to help with his pain and muscle weakness as well as providing him with a therapeutic, enjoyable activity in warm water.
Lynne said: “It’s just anything to help him have a better life than what he has got.”
This is the first fundraising the family has attempted and Lynne says how much they raise will determine what they can build for Rory.
She said: “We’re looking to see how much funds we can get together to see what kind of pool we can get.
“It has to be sturdy and it can’t be rubber or else Rory will bite it, so we’re looking at the size of a hot tub.
“We’re hoping to get a canopy for it as well so he can use it all year and not just in summer.”
Anyone wanting to support Lynne and Rory can donate to their Just Giving page at www. justgiving. com/ crowdfunding/ GetRoryAHydrotherapyTub