LET’S GET MILLIE MOVING
Raising funds for garden life line
A family is hoping people will dig deep to help get their brave little girl moving.
Full-time carer Dionne Pickersgill, 28, and removal man Stephen Fountain, 30, were told their daughter Millie would be born with a cleft lip and palate at their 20-week scan.
At three months old, Millie underwent a procedure to repair her lip, and then further surgery to her palate at six months, with special squeezer bottles used to help her feed as she struggled to suck.
But as she reached nine months old, the Thorney Close couple realised she wasn’t progressing as well as she should, with doctors concluding she has delayed development, leaving her unable to talk and in need of a walker.
To help with her independence, the five-year-old’s family are raising £4,000 for a garden revamp – with the halfway mark of the appeal already reached thanks to her loved ones’ help.
The work will be carried out at cost by Fence Houses based Brandnew walls Drives and Patios and will feature a special surface to keep Millie, who also has epilepsy, safe.
As well as enjoying playing outdoors, the Sunningdale School pupil loves Cbeebies shows including Mr Tumble, and is learning to communicate using Makaton signs and symbols. Her family’s project is being backed by family friend Maureen Thompson, 61, who is fundraising in memory of husband Allan, 43, who died in 2000 after the Ryhope CW Football Club manager lost his battle against leukaemia.
Dionne said: “We said it would be great if we had some help with the back garden.
“This will be a massive difference for Millie” DIONNE PICKERSGILL