Newquay family launches £50,000 appeal to adapt home for four-year-old Jude

A Newquay family is hoping to raise £50,000 to adapt its home for a four-year-old boy living with a rare progressive muscle degeneration condition.

Jude was diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) when he was three months old.

His family says he is currently unable to walk and, as he becomes bigger and heavier, it is becoming increasingly difficult to meet his needs within the family home.

They have now launched a fundraising appeal to help pay for adaptations which they say will allow Jude to live as safely, comfortably and independently as possible.

DMD is a genetic condition which primarily affects boys and causes progressive muscle weakness. It can eventually affect muscles involved in movement as well as the heart and breathing.

Jude's family says he also experiences developmental and communication difficulties.

His grandmother, Rebeccah Wingfield, said: "Physically Jude is not able to walk at all, and as he is now quite big and heavy it is becoming increasingly difficult to manage his needs in the family house.

"In the hope that we can make adaptations to the house to meet Jude's progressing needs, we are trying to raise £50,000 to pay for this.

"We are a low income family and the costs for anything to do with disability are extortionate."

'A home where he can be safe'

Jude's parents, Jess and Connor, said their new home offered the space and potential needed to accommodate him as his condition progresses, but significant work was required.

Proposed adaptations include converting the garage into an accessible bedroom and wet room, widening doorways and installing hard flooring.

The family also hopes to alter the kitchen, install ramps and an accessible front door, and create space for Jude's equipment and physiotherapy.

Specialist equipment, including an electric changing bed and ceiling hoist, could also be required in the future.

The family said it expected to receive some support through a Disabled Facilities Grant, but this would not cover all of the work required.

"We want to give Jude a home where he can feel comfortable, safe, cared for with dignity and feel included," his parents said.

"Somewhere he can grow up surrounded by his family without accessibility constantly being another barrier in his life."

Fundraising help sought

Alongside financial donations, the family is appealing for help from people with experience of fundraising.

They would particularly like to hear from anyone who could help organise fundraising activity or identify charities, grants or other potential sources of financial support.

The family said people who were unable to donate could also help by sharing Jude's story.

Money raised through the £50,000 appeal will go towards the cost of adapting the family's home and providing facilities and equipment to support Jude as he grows.

You can donate to the appeal here.