Just4Children is trying to raise £72,000 for Henry to have life changing therapies, the associated equipment and developmental support he needs to reach his full potential in life.
Henry is 2 years old and is from Newton Abbot, Devon. Henry was born 10 weeks prematurely with his identical twin brother Percy.
On day 1 of Henry’s life he suffered acute kidney failure and a cranial ultrasound showed early cyst formation on Henry’s brain. This indicated a severe brain injury but further scans were required before the extent could be confirmed. Henry spent a total of 14 weeks in neonatal care.
An MRI of Henry’s brain in August 2018 confirmed that Henry’s brain injury had developed into bilateral cystic periventricular leukomalacia resulting in a loss of brain volume. Henry was formally diagnosed with cerebral palsy and a severe cerebral vision impairment in December 2018. In November 2019 Henry was also diagnosed with infantile spasms, a rare form of epilepsy.
Henry has variable muscle tone and is very limited in his movements. He has missed many of his developmental milestones. Henry requires twice weekly physiotherapy and occupational therapy in order to build his strength, promote flexibility and teach him how to move.
Since Henry’s discharge from hospital his feeding has worsened and he is now fully fed via a peg feeding tube. Henry requires regular speech and language therapy to encourage feeding and to build his communication skills. In addition, Henry has hearing loss and a severe vision impairment. Henry also requires both hearing and vision therapy to help him to develop his listening skills and vision so that he can see, hear and understand the world around him.
We are hoping to raise enough funds for Just4Children to allow Henry to have regular physical, occupational, speech and language, vision and hearing therapy, intensive therapy both in the UK and abroad, and the equipment and everyday support associated with such therapies to allow him to live his best life.
Henry is very determined. He has overcome so much in his short life so far. He makes us proud every day and despite all his challenges he continues to smile. Please help us in our journey to help Henry live his life to the fullest.
More of Henry’s story can be read on Instagram @twinkletwinkleourlittlestars
Thank you
