Stories

Levi and Lucas are 13-year-old twins. They were adopted in 2008 when they were two years old. Both Levi and Lucas are on the autistic spectrum and they also have complex epilepsy along with learning difficulties. The boys are prone to focal and tonic seizures which start in a limited area on one side of the brain and then spread to both sides. This means they are severely affected by all their conditions.

I'm Maddie, and I'm 15 years old. I was born with a condition called Spina Bifida, which is caused by a gap or split in the spine. Essentially, the spinal cord does not form properly and may be damaged. My Spina bifida affects my lower limbs which means I experience a loss of sensation in the lower part of my body. This requires me to use a wheelchair.

Five year old Karl has cerebral palsy. Due to his spasticity, his muscles often go into painful cramps and he frequently experiences seizures. This means he cannot sit, walk or move unaided, or play on his own, which he desperately wants to do. Most of all, he cannot be independent.

Hundreds of children from special educational needs schools in South Wales enjoyed a fantastic day of seaside fun at Barry Island as part of the annual Variety Great Days Out beach party.

13 year old Logan has Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and requires the use of a power wheelchair at all times. He is also a huge football fan, current main defender with Tayside Dynamics Powerchair Football Club and has recently been successful in qualifying for the Scottish National Powerchair Football Development Squad.

Hollie is nine years old and is living with both Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) Syndrome (causing a rapid heart-rate) and type 1 diabetes.

Illias is 11 years old and was born with both spina bifida and hydrocephalus. The spina bifida has caused weakness of Illias’ legs and because of this he uses a wheelchair. But regular wheelchair use means that his leg muscles may not be getting enough work which could result in increased muscle weakness and the risk of poor bone development.

Four year old Bobby has Chromosome Deletion which results in severe physical and other disabilities to the extent that he has to be fed continuously via a tube. His reflux is also quite severe requiring his parents to treat this every two hours.

Written by Lilly’s mum on her behalf

Hi, my name is Lilly and I am 6 years old. I would really like to say a huge ‘thank you’ to Variety, the Children’s Charity and The Melissa Nathan Foundation for making my dream come true and changing my life completely.

Sixteen year old Courtney is a keen and accomplished wheelchair basketball player with ambitions to play for Team GB in future Paralympics. She is dependent on her wheelchair because cerebral palsy means she can only walk short distances with the aid of a wheeled walking frame.