Chelmsford-based homebuilder Barratt and David Wilson Homes has donated £1,000 to The Amazing Aiden, an appeal to support an eight-year-old boy’s overseas treatment for cerebral palsy.
The contribution from the leading developer has supported Aiden Mitchell’s therapies overseas at the NAPA Center in America and Smile Therapy Center in Canada, where he’s able to access physio, occupational and speech therapy.
The donation came as part of the Barratt Developments Plc Charitable Foundation, which is designed to support national and local charities, large and small, across the UK to leave a legacy in the communities in which the housebuilder operates.
Fleur Mitchell, Aiden’s mum, said: “Aiden is non-mobile and non-verbal. He uses a gait walker and wheelchair, plus an eye gaze to communicate.
“Even with these challenges he is a very happy little boy with the most amazing smile. He loves practical jokes and watching YouTube.
“Due to the pandemic, Aiden wasn’t able to access his overseas intensive therapy, and we were fortunate to be able to do telehealth sessions with his UK team. The Napa Center uses an intensive mode of therapy which Aiden responds well too and, now restrictions have been lifted, he is again able to access these therapies.”
Aiden suffered a hypoxia episode at birth, where he was starved of oxygen before being taken to Addenbrooke’s Hospital to receive 78 hours of cooling treatment. This is a process where the body’s core temperature is reduced to 33 degrees, which helps to slow the spread of the damage, despite not being able to reverse it.
As his needs are so great, he has many therapies which are paid for privately.
Tom Wright, Managing Director at Barratt and David Wilson Homes Eastern Counties, said: “Aiden’s story touched the hearts of many of us at Barratt and David Wilson Homes, and he’s a true inspiration.
“We’re delighted to support the appeal of The Amazing Aiden, and we hope our contribution goes towards getting him the treatment he needs to keep inspiring others.”
