Hello everybody!

The boys and girls of Moira Baptist Sunday School in Co Down (http://moirabaptist.org/sundayschool.htm) raise money each year for Christian mission projects and other good causes.

This year we are making a special effort to help two very special children. Kuda (8) and Joshua (4), suffer with cerebral palsy. Kuda and Joshua are two of the thirteen "Jabulani Children" who are cared for by Alan and Dorothy Graham (http://www.zimorphancare.org/our-work/jabulani-children-s-home).

Gary and Jayne Wilson from Moira Baptist Church visited Alan, Dorothy and the Jabulani Children in April 2016. As a physiotherapist who works with child cerebral palsy patients in Northern Ireland, Jayne (jayne@gtechdl.co.uk) was able to identify some items of equipment, commonly available to children in the UK, that would greatly enhance Kuda and Joshua’s quality of life. Specifically, there is a need for two specially designed “custom paediatric seating systems” (one each for Kuda and Joshua), as well as a “standing frame” that they could share. In the UK these items are considered essential and are provided on the NHS.

One of our key verses this year in Sunday School has been Luke 18:27 “What is impossible with man is possible with God!” During our Sunday School lessons, we have marvelled at the impossible things God can accomplish. So we are stepping out in faith for Kuda and Joshua. If it is God’s will, we hope to see an amazing response to this year’s project, such that we may enable the provision of all three items of equipment.

This year we would greatly appreciate your donations large and small!

For further information, please contact robertuprichard@hotmail.com

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“These items are an essential requirement. Any child in NI with severe CP will automatically get assessed for a supportive seating system paid for by the NHS. It is important to keep a neural and symmetrical position to avoid spinal curves which can lead to pain, chest infections and breathing difficulties. The chair also helps to support the head to aid feeding and avoid aspiration or choking. It also maintains the hips in neutral, reducing strong spasms and improving alignment as there can otherwise be strain on the hips causing a semi-subluxation or subluxation which causes a lot of pain and reduced range of movement, which can then impact on washing and changing, which in turn causes skin breakdown and infections. A well-positioned chair provides much comfort and pressure relief.

The standing frame is beneficial to help maintain range of movement in the lower limbs, which will also support the hip alignment. The weight-bearing achieved also helps improve bone mineral density making the child less vulnerable to fractures etc. Use of the standing frame also improves circulation and respiratory capacity. A change in position to provides important pressure relief.”

Jayne Wilson
Advanced Clinical Specialist Paediatric Physiotherapist