Member Article

Housebuilder supports boy's operation appeal

A Northamptonshire boy’s campaign to walk unaided has received a cash boost from a leading housebuilder.

Persimmon Homes Midlands has donated £1,000 towards the One Small Step for Harry appeal, launched to raise £40,000 for a life-changing operation.

The award, from the housebuilder’s Community Champions scheme, will support five-year-old Harry Restall’s dreams to crunch his feet in the snow and feel sand between his toes.

Claire Dearsley, head of sales and marketing at Persimmon Homes Midlands, said: “Community Champions was launched to enable us to make a difference to the lives of local people. Often that is by supporting a sports team or charity, sometimes a neighbourhood event.

“This month we have chosen to donate to a very brave family, living on our own Marina Gardens development in Northampton, who have faced many challenges as we felt they deserved our help.”

Mum Jenny Restall added: “Harry was born ten weeks prematurely and needed life-saving bowel surgery at one day old. He survived meningitis and several sepsis infections but sadly suffered brain damage resulting in spastic diplegia cerebral palsy. This means Harry is not able to stand or walk unaided.

“He is, however, a very happy and intelligent little boy, who enjoys attending a mainstream school. He would love to be able to walk and play with his friends, without needing a walking frame or wheelchair.

“We are currently fundraising for a life-changing operation that is not available on the NHS. The procedure – selective dorsal rhizotomy – could totally change his life.”

Supporters have already raised just over £25,000 for the fund and anyone interested in helping can donate at http://www.treeofhope.org.uk/harry-restall

Also receiving a £1,000 donation this month was Kettering Carnival, which raises money to support local people who are registered blind. The annual event – this year taking place on August 18th at Rockingham Road Pleasure park – includes a traditional parade with carnival queen, stalls, refreshments and entertainment. To find out more visit https://www.facebook.com/Kettering-Carnival-251941501595359/

Persimmon’s national match-funding Community Champions scheme seeks to support groups and charities working to improve the quality of life or environment across the region.

Community groups, charities and good causes across the country have benefited thanks to the donations from Persimmon Homes. Organisations can apply for funding by completing a simple online form at www.persimmonhomes.com/charity

The scheme invites local groups and charities to bid for cash from a £750,000 national fund, with two donations of up to £1,000 being made locally each month.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Caroline Garbett .