Our Families

Team Harrod

Description

Hello everyone, thank you for reading my web page and story. My name is Lochlain, I am 10 years old. I live with my family in Ipswich Australia. My Mum is Jill, Dad Jason, Sister Laurynn and our dog Patch. I was born with Spastic Quadriplegic Cerebral Palsy. That means that I have trouble controlling my bodies muscles and movements, including my arms and my legs, they just don’t do what I tell them.

The Developing Foundation’s Riverwalk Event helps us to raise money for things that I need to get my body working better. We do this by seeking donations and sponsorship through family, friends, corporate areas, local people and the world wide web. Anybody who wants to help can.

This year we continue to raise funds for on going therapy needs, health cover for medical expenses, computer needs, Electric Power chair, and a few smaller things. We raised a lot of money last year towards the Levo Sit to Stand Power Chair. We have enough money to place it on order, but still need to pay the second half [$16-$18K] when it arrives. This chair will last for up to 20 years as I am tall enough to go into the adult size. Having this chair will give me the chance to go where I want, when I want for the first time in my life, sitting or standing . It moves even when I stand.

My Mum said seeing me in my power chair for my first time will be like watching your child take its first steps. Seeing them pull themselves up, stepping across the room for the first time with that little sparkle in their eye and then growing to independence. But for me it will be turning on my chair, making it stand me up moving forward or backwards, sitting and standing, growing to my independence. That will be my little sparkle. What a great time that will be. Therapy will always be part of my life. It helps in keeping my muscles and movement patterns as correct as they can be. My hips and legs have always been my main problems. I have had 5 operations on them since the age of 4.

My interests are listening to musical DVD’s, playing my violin, guitar while listening to Andre’ Rieu . Playing on my computer, going shopping, swimming in Nan’s pool, playing slot cars with Dad, watching my sister play netball and visiting family and friends. I love going anywhere there are lots of people.

My family, friends and people that I know, encourage and support me to do my best. Doing things can take me longer to learn than other people, but I always try my best. I would like to thank my long term supporters and all of my new supporters for their donations and encouragement that they give to me. To Gran I’d like to give a special thank you for all your walking to collect my donations.

Without everybody’s help I would not be able to get the things that make my life a lot easier. All donations no matter how large or small all add up in the end. Any support you are able to offer is very much appreciated.

Here are some ways you can help:

• Make a donation online at www.developingfoundation.org.au/family/harrod

• Send Lochlain’s web page to your family, friends or your boss

• Think of a fundraising event we can do

• Come to Riverwalk to support Team Harrod and wear a yellow shirt.

All Donations of $2.00 or more are tax deductible and you will not receive any additional credit card charges. The Developing Foundation commits 90% of our target directly to Lochlain’s expenses. The balance is used by the charity to cover administration and credit card expenses.

For more information on helping or if you have any questions for Team Harrod please email theblue220@bigpond.com.au or phone Jill on 32880038 or 0405481880. Thank you all once again for your support and generosity. God bless you all and see you at Riverwalk 2011.