Member Article

Store donates to appeal for disabled girl

A North East flooring store has answered a plea for help from the family of a severely disabled young girl in Kent who are raising funds to ensure her life is made as comfortable as possible.

The family of Amber-May approached Flooring Superstore in Birtley, Gateshead, to see if it would be willing to donate carpet for an extension to their home which is needed to enable them to care for the five-year-old at home.

Touched by her story, the store immediately sent a carpet chosen online by the family to their home near Ashford in Kent. The donation is one of many being made by businesses across the UK to the Amber-May Appeal.

Amber-May has cerebral palsy, suffers from epileptic seizures and has had two serious strokes. She also has a rare genetic condition called CACNA1A that results in migraines and ataxia affecting her ability to coordinate her limbs.

Amber-May’s parents Marcus and Jackie live with her and her two sisters in a chalet bungalow. As Amber-May has grown, her needs have changed, including the requirement to have larger equipment to support her medical and care needs.

The bungalow is therefore being extended to ensure Amber-May has all the space she needs, along with the space required for Marcus, Jackie and their two other daughters.

The carpet donated by Flooring Superstore has gone in a new bedroom created for Marcus and Jackie which will enable them to sleep without waking Amber-May up.

Marcus said: “Jackie hasn’t worked since Amber-May was born because she needs around-the-clock support and even though I work, even with the best will in the world, what I earn would never cover the costs of everything we need to ensure we can all remain living in our family home.

“We set up an appeal with no set expectations but have been overwhelmed by the support we have received from businesses and other organisations.

“The carpet we received from Flooring Superstore is stunning and their donation is very gratefully appreciated.”

Pete Docherty, Manager of Flooring Superstore in Birtley, said: “We sadly can’t take away the burden of responsibility the family carry, but we can help to make it easier for them, so we didn’t hesitate when they asked if we would be willing to donate flooring.

“We are pleased it’s being used to furnish the home where Amber-May is cared for, and we wish the family well in their very worthwhile appeal.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Neil Shaefer .