Family fight for specialist bed for disabled son
THE family of a four-year-old boy with disabilities say he desperately needs a specialist bed which they describe as a potential “life-saver”.
The family of Ashley Odugbesan say that an adjustable bed with high padded sides kept Ashley safe when he lived in Cardiff, thanks to local health and social care services – but when the family moved just 20 miles back to Aberdare, they found his multiple health issues didn’t meet the criteria set in Rhondda Cynon Taf.
Ashley has a genetic condition so rare doctors are unable to identify it. His bones are so thin that they fracture easily and he can only walk a few steps before collapsing.
Heartbreakingly, he’s also registered blind and lives with a chronic lung disease and heart condition – he chokes on his own saliva unless he’s propped up at just the right angle.
To ease the family’s concerns, disabled children’s charity Newlife provided the emergency loan of a specialist bed.
However, a permanent bed is now needed, which costs £5,830.
Now Newlife is appealing to the local community for funding, and an anonymous donor has already pledged to match all donations the charity receives for this, pound for pound.
Ashley’s mum Charlette said: “A specialist bed is literally a life-saver for Ashley.
“I don’t know how we will cope in the long term without one. The thought terrifies me.
“We moved to Cardiff because Ashley was in intensive care there for nearly a year after he was born.
“After we had our now 10-month-old, Zachary, we decided to move closer to family for more help, but it turned out to be the worst decision.
“I can’t believe there’s such a difference in criteria for equipment between areas, it’s ridiculous.
“Ashley urgently needs a bed of his own to keep him safe long-term.
“It would mean that we don’t have the constant worry of this on top of everything else we have to cope with.”
Newlife’s senior manager for care services Carrick Brown said: “Unfortunately, as much as we want to help Ashley and his family, we simply don’t have the funds to buy the equipment right now.
“We are appealing to the local community for help to raise the money so Ashley can receive a specialist bed of his own to keep him safe in the long term.”
Anyone able to help Ashley should contact Newlife on 01543 431 444, visit the website at www.newlife.support/HelpAshley or email local@newlifecharity. co.uk.