How Jordan Henderson is helping a Sunderland youngster gain her independence

Little Rubie O’Brien is only six-years-old but has already faced more challenges than most experience in a lifetime.

From being a newborn, Rubie, from Norton Road, Southwick, has undergone multiple operations on her legs, hips and feet to help with her mobility.

Her condition, spina bifida, is caused when a baby’s spine and spinal cord don’t develop properly in the womb, causing a gap in the spine.

At the age of two, the community rallied round to buy her a wheelchair that would allow her to move freely in her early years and as she began school at Grange Park Primary.

Since then Rubie has grown into a confident little girl, but now needs a new, bigger, wheelchair to keep up with her growth spurt.

Mum Ciara Heffernan, 29, has launched a fundraising appeal to raise £4,095 to buy Rubie a RGK Tiga Junior wheelchair.

Sharing the appeal on Facebook page, Reddies for Rubie, the family have been left overwhelmed after raising £3,421 in just eight days.

Ciara and partner David Hoskins, 22, have organised online raffles in a bid to raise the remaining funds, and one special prize from footballer Jordan Henderson is hoped to raise the final £600.

The Sunderland born Liverpool captain donated the boots he wore in the UEFA European championships 2012 after hearing of Rubie’s plight through a former work colleague of David’s.

Mum Ciara said: "We raised £2,000 in just three days, it all came in really quickly.

“It’s been so overwhelming.

"My partner’s former colleague had contact with the Henderson family and he asked if he had anything he would be able to auction off.

"Jordan Henderson got back to him within 10 minutes to say that we could have his boots!”

Ciara continued: “The wheelchair will keep Rubie’s independence.

"When she goes outside she relies on the chair to get around and particularly when she’s at school.

"The wheelchair is the key to her independence and mobility.”

To bid for the Jordan Henderson football boots visit: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/264805305890

To donate visit: @ReddiesforRubie on Facebook.

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