Isaac Clarkson

18 months ago at the age of 7, Isaac had a stroke.  He lost the use of the right side of his body and face and his speech.  After 20 weeks in hospital and nearly two years of intensive rehab he has made a huge improvement, but there's still a long way to go.

He still struggles to open his right hand or control his fingers, his right arm involuntarily contracts and he can't fully control it and he has developed shoulder weakness and some pain.  His gait is out of alignment and he can't land with his heel when he walks.  It also takes him longer to process things mentally now and he gets tired quickly from school work.  

If the physical issues are left untreated, he risks further damage as he gets older, increasing pain and the need for operations.

We do need the help of others for Isaac to receive the care he needs to keep making this progress.  If you felt you could give towards the cost of his rehab, we would be so grateful. It really does make all the difference as to what Isaac's life is going to be like.

The money will go towards:

- Specialist neuro-physiotherapy sessions for a year

- A functional electrical stimulation cuff to aid walking

- A three week course of Constraint Induced Movement Therapy

- A variety of home training equipment e.g. electrical stimulation and electrodes, a stretch board ...

Despite all he has dealt with, Isaac remains a deeply caring and smiley boy, who has a steely resolve to overcome his disability.  He has intensive rehab every weekday afternoon and, thanks to the support of great coaches, is back playing sports on the weekend.  His determination is truly fierce in his rehab sessions and it's incredible to watch him give his all day after day.

As his parents, we want to support him to pursue his passion to regain the full use of his body.  Most of all that means making sure he has access to the experts he needs to train him and the equipment that helps him to keep active and doing the things he loves.  

We are deeply grateful to everyone who has contributed towards his care and as we look ahead to the next year and beyond we know that it's the kindness and generosity of so many of you that will mean he will reach his goals. 

Note:  7.5% of all donations to Tree of Hope in relation to this appeal will be allocated to the general charitable purposes of Tree of Hope to cover their  core operating costs.  If we raise insufficient funds, or surplus funds, then the funds will be used, if appropriate, to fund support for our child's needs in accordance with Tree of Hope's charitable objects.  If in those circumstances we are unable to use all or part of the funds for the benefit of our child in accordance with Tree of Hope's charitable objects, then any funds that cannot be used will be transferred to be used for the general charitable purposes of Tree of Hope.