Help David Build Strength, Independence and Hope

David is a bright, determined little boy living with an extremely rare genetic condition caused by a chromosome 14q13.1-q21.1 microdeletion, confirmed through specialist genetic testing.

Although his intelligence and desire to learn are among his greatest strengths, this rare condition has profoundly affected his body. David has severe hypotonia (low muscle tone), developmental delay, and hypothyroidism. Everyday movements that most children take for granted-standing, walking, balancing, climbing stairs, or simply keeping up with friends-require enormous effort and years of intensive therapy.

His core muscles, pelvis, legs, and neck are particularly affected, leaving him with poor balance, reduced strength, low endurance, and delayed motor development. As a result, David requires ongoing intensive physiotherapy and specialist rehabilitation to maximise his physical potential, maintain the progress he has achieved, and prevent secondary complications. Without continuous rehabilitation, David risks losing the progress he has worked so hard to achieve.

Despite these challenges, David never gives up. Every therapy session is another opportunity for him to become stronger, more independent, and closer to living the life every child deserves.

To give David the best possible future, he needs specialist therapies that are not routinely funded by the NHS. These include:

- Intensive Physiotherapy to improve muscle strength, posture, balance, coordination, mobility and functional independence while helping prevent secondary complications.

- Hydrotherapy to improve muscle strength, balance, coordination and mobility.

- Aquatic and land-based physiotherapy, combining water and land rehabilitation to build strength, improve posture, coordination, endurance and functional mobility.

- Cuevas Medek Exercises (CME), an intensive physiotherapy approach that promotes motor development and independence.

- Hippotherapy (therapeutic horse riding) to strengthen his core muscles, improve posture, balance and walking.

- Snowbility, an adaptive skiing programme that helps improve balance, coordination, muscle strength, confidence and independence while encouraging physical activity in a unique and motivating environment.

- Dolphin-assisted therapy, which has been incredibly motivating for David and supports his physical, sensory and emotional development.

These therapies are not optional-they are essential. They help David gain strength, improve mobility, increase independence and prevent further physical complications. Every session gives him another chance to achieve milestones that many children reach naturally.

Unfortunately, the cost of these specialised therapies, rehabilitation programmes, orthotic equipment, and the travel required to access them is far beyond what our family can afford alone.

That is why we are asking for your support through Tree of Hope.

Every donation, no matter how small, will help David continue the therapies that are changing his life. Your kindness will give him the opportunity to become stronger, more independent, and to reach his full potential.

As David's family, we will never stop fighting for him. We believe that with the right support, determination, and access to specialist rehabilitation, he can continue to make remarkable progress.

Thank you for taking the time to read David's story. Thank you for believing in him. And thank you for giving our son hope for a brighter, more independent future.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Roxana and Adrian (parents of David)

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 our 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 objectives, then any funds that cannot be used will be transferred to be used for the general charitable purposes of Tree of Hope.