ELLIS’ MUM IS JUST SO GRATEFUL

Mar 2 2007 West Lothian Courier

A WEST Lothian mum has paid tribute to the kind people who have helped give her baby son a headstart in life.

Julie Affleck from Armadale has thanked everyone who contributed towards getting a special helmet to correct her son Ellis’ plagiocephaly, a disorder in which the back or one side of a baby's head is flattened.

Much more than the £2500 required for the helmet and treatment, which is not available on the NHS, was raised thanks to the kindness of friends, family and local businesses.

Julie, from Bridgecastle Road in Armadale explained: “I can’t believe the difference that wearing the helmet has made.

“Ellis only had it on for 10 weeks but it has completely sorted the shape of his head.

“It’s such a relief that his head is the shape it should be now.”

Friends and family carried out a number of events to raise the money, including Ellis’s dad, Steven, and his friend Owen Erskine rowing a section of the Union Canal, a car boot sale, a sponsored toddler toddle over the Forth Road Bridge and a charity night at the Tap O' The Brae in Armadale.

Julie would like to thank all the friends and family and local business who helped raise the superb amount, including Tesco, who raised over £1000 by putting collection buckets at the end of checkouts, Tap O’ The Brae, Breadcrumbs catering, and bands Sweet Illusion and Sleet.

Julie added: “People were so generous – I think because it involves kids everyone’s really keen to help.

“We’ve raised more than enough money than we needed so I’d like to help others in the same position.

“Anyone who has a baby with plagiocephaly and is trying to raise money for the treatment should get in touch with me by e-mail at jayaff@ hotmail.co.uk and I might be able to help them.”