Equilibrium helps support local boy’s recovery with £500 donation

A local wealth management firm has awarded a Manchester-based family a £500 grant, as part of its ongoing Community Support Scheme initiative.

‘Help Alex to Soar’ was created by a family living in Sale, who are hoping to fundraise £40,000 through Just4Children so that their son, Alex, can have the intensive physiotherapy he requires following a life-changing operation in March 2020.

Alex has been diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy Spastic Diplegia, and the operation will be carried out on the nerves in his spine. It is hoped that it will help him to walk without assistance, as currently, Alex experiences painful spasms when he walks and cannot walk for an extended amount of time.

Kirsten Burgess, Alex’s mum, said: “We’re so grateful to Equilibrium for this grant, which will help to provide Alex with the intensive physiotherapy and equipment that is essential for his recovery following his SDR surgery.

“The surgery will remove the spasticity from his body but will uncover muscle weakness. Alex will need to have intensive therapy and exercise for a minimum of two years following the surgery, to help him retrain his mind and body in the correct pattern of movement.

“The donation will doubtless be a great support.”

The intensive rehabilitation programme will last for two years. Without the operation, it’s likely that Alex could lose most of the mobility that he has now and will experience premature ageing of his muscles and joints. He will also likely need more invasive and painful orthopaedic surgeries at a young age.

Equilibrium’s Community Support Scheme was set up in 2015 to award grants ranging from £100 to £500 to community organisations and charities in Cheshire East, Greater Manchester and Chester and District. The company has awarded over £22,000 in funds to date.