Sunderland family launch campaign to fight for son's independence and this is how you can help

The family of a courageous little boy are taking steps to give their son the independence he has been fighting for his entire life.
By Sophie Brownson
Published 15th Jan 2020, 17:00 BST
Updated 15th Jan 2020, 17:20 BST
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Charlie Creaser, nine, has quadriplegic cerebral palsy affecting all four limbs and relies on a walking frame to help him get around.

The Hetton youngster has already undergone numerous operations to help his condition and now medics believe that Charlie would benefit from a procedure called selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR).

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The surgery, which would take place at the Alder Hey Children's Hospital in Liverpool, would help Charlie build up muscle tone and help him to walk and play with other children.

Charlie Creaser (9) with his mum Michelle (36). Picture by FRANK REIDCharlie Creaser (9) with his mum Michelle (36). Picture by FRANK REID
Charlie Creaser (9) with his mum Michelle (36). Picture by FRANK REID

But the surgery comes at a cost of £36,000 as the medical grading of Charlie’s condition meant he was not eligible for the surgery on the NHS.

And now parents, Michelle and Martin, are faced with the mammoth task of raising the funds to give their son the best chance of becoming independent.

Mum Michelle, 36, said: “We gave been told that he will still not be able to walk independently, but we have always been told that he is not able to do things and he somehow manages.

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“Currently Charlie is tired after five minutes of walking, so we feel that even if the surgery gives him just and extra half an hour it will be beneficial.

Charlie Creaser (9) using his walking frame. Picture by FRANK REIDCharlie Creaser (9) using his walking frame. Picture by FRANK REID
Charlie Creaser (9) using his walking frame. Picture by FRANK REID

“We want to give him his independence.”

The news that Charlie would benefit from the SDR surgery is a huge turn around for the family who were told in 2017 that Charlie wouldn’t need the operation.

Medics advised the family not to put Charlie through the surgery, believing that his legs would be just as supple afterwards, because of previous operations he has had.

But after seeing a TV programme set at the Alder Hey Children's Hospital in Liverpool which showed the benefits the SDR surgery, Charlie’s parents decided to see if Charlie would be eligible once again.

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Michelle continued: “We have set up a Just Giving page to raise funds for the surgery and the Bradley Lowery Foundation has come on board with our campaign.”

So far the appeal has raised £2,123.

To donate visit: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/CharliesSDRJourney

Related topics:SunderlandLiverpoolNHS