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Gravesham council designs house for child with lissencephaly

A family is starting a new chapter after a home was transformed to help make life easier for them.

Seven-year-old Ruby Jarvis and her family have moved into their specially-designed house in Northfleet, Gravesend.

Ruby has lissencephaly, a condition where areas of brain tissue appear absent or abnormal.

Ruby's quality of life will change thanks to the transformation. Picture: Gravesham Borough Council
Ruby's quality of life will change thanks to the transformation. Picture: Gravesham Borough Council

She has been in a wheelchair for almost all her life and the family struggled in their previous property.

Ruby’s mum, Zoe, said: “We started packing as soon as we found out – we’ve been waiting for this moment for about five years.

“It’s going to be life-changing for us and Ruby’s quality of life will change too.”

From left, mum Zoe with Sharon Donald, housing strategy and development manager, and housing officer Kam Sandhu. Picture: Gravesham Borough Council
From left, mum Zoe with Sharon Donald, housing strategy and development manager, and housing officer Kam Sandhu. Picture: Gravesham Borough Council

The young girl’s condition requires 24-hour care as she is unable to walk, feed herself and carry out day-to-day tasks.

Gravesham council modified the three-bedroom house in Tooley Street to accommodate all of the family’s needs, including adjustable work tops and wider door frames.

Ruby can access all rooms with a lift joining both floors.

Ruby and mum Zoe, right, with Sharon Donald, housing strategy and development manager. Picture: Gravesham Borough Council
Ruby and mum Zoe, right, with Sharon Donald, housing strategy and development manager. Picture: Gravesham Borough Council

Zoe added: “It really has been tailored to fit our needs as a family and we can’t thank them enough.”

Cllr Anthony Pritchard, cabinet member for housing, said: “Its been a very emotional journey for Zoe, Ruby and the rest of their family but we’re so glad to have been able to help them in this way.

“The council has worked with the family every step of the way to ensure they get the support they need.”

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