Sergeant James Nugent’s daughter, Elsie, was diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy in the early months of her life, which requires her to use a wheelchair all the time. As she grew, James and his wife struggled to lift Elsie and suffered back injuries. We provided £12,000 to fund an extension to their house, mobility equipment and a ramp, so that Elsie has a safe and comfortable living space and the family can live together happily.
Sgt James Nugent’s daughter, Elsie, was diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy when she was a baby, and she was not initially expected to survive beyond 18 months. However, she continues to make her family proud through sheer resilience, despite spending most of her young life in and out of hospital. She receives regular medication and gene therapy treatment every six months via lumbar puncture, which has helped to stabilise her condition.
James and his wife, Anouska, have three children, Elsie, Arlo and Adelaide. They were able to look after Elsie when she was very young but, as she grew up, lifting her became much more difficult and led to back injuries.
The family were able to finance some modifications to their home but decided to seek charity help to ensure safer personal care and greater dignity for Elsie. We were delighted to contribute £12,000 towards an extension to their house, mobility equipment and a ramp, so Elsie has a safe and comfortable living space and the family can live together happily.
James says: “Words cannot put into context what this means to our family. Elsie now has her own space and independence, and we cannot thank you enough. This truly is life changing.”