Pictured: Thomas, Melanie, Terry, Brett and Natasha Kiddie

by Rebecca Hughes

The Medway Messenger is hoping to help a severely-disabled child and his family get the home they need with our 2012 Christmas appeal.

Our festive fundraiser is in aid of the Terry Kiddie Trust, to help give the youngster a room of his own.

The eight-year-old was born with severe brain damage and cerebral palsy.
Since then he has spent long periods in hospital, had multiple operations and suffered a series of complications.

He is currently living at the family home in Banky Field Close, Rainham, with mum Melanie, brother Thomas, 14, and 10-year-old sister Natasha.

The severity of his condition means the lounge has had to be converted into a room for him while Melanie had turned her bedroom into the family living room and is sleeping on a mattress on the floor.

Family and friends have rallied round to launch a fundraising campaign aiming to raise £20,000 for essential alterations to the house and give Terry a specialist bedroom and wetroom.

The improvements would cost £50,000 but the family are hoping to secure a grant to meet the rest of the cost.

The Messenger is now backing the campaign, which could really make a world of difference to the family.

In the past year alone Terry has had a valve put in his stomach to stop reflux, a feeding tube fitted and had part of his bowel removed. He has suffered breathing problems, a stomach hernia, a collapsed lung and peritonitis.

Now he is happily back at home, but the family are struggling to fit inside the small three-bedded home.

His mum Melanie said: “Terry’s condition has had a massive impact.
“Because he can’t get up the stairs without being carried I’m having to bed-bathe him and it is really difficult.

“His room is right next to the porch and as he is getting older he needs his privacy and my other children need their home back. If we can raise the funds it will make a huge difference.”

To donate whatever you can afford, send a cheque made payable to Terry Kiddie Trust to: Medway Messenger, Medway House, Ginsbury Close, Sir Thomas Longley Road, Medway City Estate, Strood, ME4 4DU.

If you would consider hosting a fundraising event in aid of our festive appeal or can help in any other way, phone reporter Rebecca Hughes on 01634 227835 or emailrhughes@thekmgroup.co.uk