Sean’s appeal

Thanks so much to everyone who has helped and contributed to Sean’s appeal.

I know your help and support has made a huge difference to Sean.

A reminder from one of Sean’s messages about his situation.

To Everyone,

Some people will know a little about my personal situation, and some will know a little more.

Just so that people are all on the same page, let me briefly explain.

Roughly 20 years ago, when I was 26, I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis.

At the time, I was married with two very young children.

If I am honest, the last 20 years have been far from easy.

Because of my medical condition, I have lost a great deal since my diagnosis all those years ago; the use of my arms and legs, my mobility, my independence, my career, my self-worth.

Now, I am fully paraplegic with no functional use below the neck.

People may be surprised to know that despite everything I often refer to myself as "the luckiest man in the world”.

I am lucky enough to have married the most beautiful woman I have ever known, and to have had two amazing children both of whom are in good health, and finding their own paths in life.

I am lucky enough to have an amazing family network that I know I can always rely on.

And I am lucky to have a fabulous collection of friends. Friends like Gerry who, when he found out that I was struggling to use medical equipment because my house didn't really have suitable flooring, he took it upon himself to raise some funds, and to help. And of course, it is because of Gerry that I have been genuinely blown away by the generosity of everyone else. I can't explain what a huge difference will be made by having a suitable, level floor, that will allow me to have effortless access in and out of different rooms. Having easy access to the bathroom might have obvious benefits, but being able to take a body hoist into the living room will allow me to be hoisted to a sofa, to sit with my family and enjoy a film together. More generally, the flooring itself is specifically suitable for wheelchairs, is easy to sanitise, and has a 25 year guarantee.

While it is, without question, the perfect flooring, it would simply not be possible for me to have fitted without the unbelievable kindness of so many of you.

Some people have helped a little, and some people have helped a lot. I am in awe of everyone.

It is at times like this that I realise how inadequate words alone are.

There are not enough words to thank people. I will be forever grateful, and humbled by everyone's kind thoughts and selflessness.

Sean