Family launches appeal after ‘special’ 11-year-old from Gayton suffers two strokes
A brave 11-year-old is on the mend after suffering from two strokes – and an appeal has been launched to bolster his family’s finances.
Gayton youngster Teddy Hope was rushed to Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge in late January, and has since undergone major brain surgery.
The ordeal has left him with several months of tough therapy ahead of him, and his mother Tracey will be unable to work during that period.
That led to Tracey’s cousin Gem Tomney setting up a GoFundMe page to help the Hope family through a challenging time – and it has already raised more than £2,000.
Young Teddy, a Year 6 pupil at Gayton Primary School, was originally taken to Lynn’s Queen Elizabeth Hospital on January 30 – where staff suspected he was suffering from constipation and dehydration.
However, a brain scan revealed the extent of his strokes, which have affected both the left and right sides of his brain.
His speech, balance and movement are all expected to be affected.
The money raised will go towards the family’s needs while Tracey, who has three other children in addition to Teddy, is out of work.
On the donations made so far, her cousin Gem told the Lynn News: “I honestly couldn’t believe it. We’ve been blown away – there’s been donations coming from all sorts of places and people we don’t even know of, so we’ve been really, really grateful.
“It would be really good if people could just share his story. It’s just making people aware that, actually, children do go through a lot.”
Tracey has also paid tribute to everyone who has chipped in to help Teddy, and hopes to use some of the funds – after healthcare expenses are paid for – to take her children on a much-needed holiday.
She has been at Addenbrooke’s with her young boy since he was admitted more than a fortnight ago, although she hopes to host a coming home party for him in the coming weeks.
In a social media post, Tracey wrote: “A stroke could happen at any time, I want with all of my heart to make sure he has a good life. He deserves the world, I wouldn’t wish what he has been through on anyone.
“He is (ask anyone) the most kind and gentle, helpful and most generous soul and I am beyond proud of him.
“Teddy will be having a welcome home party in the coming weeks to show him just how special and brave he is.”
To donate to Teddy’s cause, people can visit: https://www.gofundme.com/f/please-help-teddy-raise-vital-money-needed
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