People are being invited to support the dream of a young Southport man with a life limiting disease to enjoy a trip to Italy.
Noah Cunningham, who has Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, was close to making the trip three years ago – and even got as far as getting on the aircraft before then having to get off again.
Now an urgent fundraising appeal has been launched by Karen Jessop to make the holiday happen this time for the keen young Evertonian and history lover.
People can donate via the Help Noah Achieve His Dream page on the GoFundMe website: Fundraiser by Karen Jessop : Help Noah Achieve His dream
Karen Jessop said: “Noah is an incredible young man who absolutely loves history. He’s had a really difficult time of late and his palliative care team have said to do everything he wishes to do while he can. So the race is on.
“It’s always been his dream to get to Rome and soak it all in real life and not just textbooks.
“A couple of years ago he saved up, planned the trip, boarded the plane but was then sadly de-boarded in front of everyone as they could not get his power chair on board, much to Noah’s upset.
“He’d love to fulfill his dream of getting to Rome. Can you help by donating or sharing? Every penny counts.”
Noah has Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, a life limiting rare disease that cruelly strips away the things you used to be able to do. A simple hug, sitting up independently, brushing your teeth, taking a shower or turning over in your bed.
Karen said: “Noah recently had a palliative care appointment, and unfortunately, the news wasn’t what anyone hoped for. His gut and bowel are failing due to his DMD, and because it’s caused by muscle deterioration, there’s nothing that can be done to improve it.
“His team is now focused on keeping him comfortable and helping him achieve the things he wants to do.
“And what does Noah want? Simply to ‘do normal things’—stay in college, keep playing wheelchair football, and most of all, finally take his dream trip to Rome.
“Three years ago, he saved up his 18th birthday money to go, only to be removed from the Ryanair plane when the airline refused to take his powerchair. Now, after carefully planning the trip again with carers to support him, the funding has been pulled, making it impossible for him to go. We need around £1000 per carer as Noah needs 24 hour care.
“It’s heartbreaking to see this happen to someone as positive and determined as Noah, so I’m setting up a GoFundMe to help make his dream a reality.
“His Mum Vicki is going to fight the decision of retracting an agreement that his personal healthcare budget or PHB could be used towards his carers to go with him. If the fight is won then any donations will be used to go towards his bucket wish list.
“If you can donate, share, or even just spread the word, it would mean everything. Let’s make this happen for him!”
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