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Villagers raise money to transform young Mitchell's life
MEMBERS of an Ainthorpe family are raising money to help a boy aged 10, who suffers from cerebral palsy, to travel to America for an operation that will transform his life.
Mandi Anderson, who lives with her husband Carl and son Kameron in Easton Lane, Ainthorpe, said that she and the boy's mother, Deborah Spencer, have been friends all their lives.
Deborah's son Mitchell was born with cerebral palsy, a condition which affects his muscles so badly that he has to walk on the tips of his toes and is so painful that he can manage only short distances and suffers frequent falls.
But a US surgeon in Missouri is performing operations to correct the condition with a hundred per cent success rate. Unfortunately, it cannot be done in this country on the NHS and with necessary follow-up treatment will cost 40,000.
Mandi said: "I've raised money at work and Kameron, who is also aged 10, raised money at school in Danby with a non-uniform day. So far we've raised 376."
Mitchell's family is also fund-raising and his older sister Sophie did a sponsored bungee jump from the top of the Transporter Bridge.
Mitchell, who lives with his family in Hartlepool, is described as a bright, funny boy, full of grit and determination. He does well at school and has lots of friends but even simple tasks like climbing stairs, getting into a car or putting on his socks are very difficult for him.
When he walks he soon tires and he finds it frustrating and upsetting. He has to wear leg splints day and night which are painful and he has four physiotherapy treatments daily.
Without the operation, his condition will worsen as he grows older. It entails a main operation on his spine and then a second one to lengthen his heel cords that have become very tight due to his toe-walking.
But he is looking forward to having the operation and fulfilling his main ambition, at present, which is to be able to learn to ride a bike.
A collection box for donations is available at Danby Health Food Shop or donations can be made on getmitchelltoamerica.org. Sponsorship is also welcome.
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Saturday 04 February 2012
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