Newquay family speaks to Radio Newquay about £50,000 appeal to help four-year-old Jude

A Newquay family has been speaking to Radio Newquay about its efforts to raise £50,000 to adapt their home for a four-year-old boy living with a rare condition which causes progressive muscle weakness.

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

The condition, which primarily affects boys, causes muscles throughout the body to weaken over time and can eventually affect the heart and breathing.

Jude is unable to walk and also experiences developmental and communication difficulties.

His family says that as he grows older and heavier, caring for him within their home is becoming increasingly challenging.

They are now appealing for donations and fundraising support to help make the property accessible and suitable for Jude's changing needs.

'It's becoming increasingly difficult'

Speaking to Radio Newquay, Jude's grandmother, Rebeccah Wingfield, explained the difficulties facing the family and why they are asking the local community for help.

PRESS PLAY to hear Rebeccah chatting to Mark Chapple about Jude and the appeal...

She 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."

Jude's parents, Jess and Connor, say their new home has the potential to provide the space and facilities he will need as he grows, but substantial adaptations are required.

The family hopes to convert the garage into an accessible bedroom and wet room, widen doorways and replace flooring to make it easier for Jude to move around.

Other planned improvements include changes to the kitchen, accessible entrances and ramps, along with dedicated space for physiotherapy and specialist equipment.

As Jude gets older, the family may also need to install a ceiling hoist and electric changing bed to help provide safe and dignified care.

'We want to give Jude a home where he feels safe'

Although the family expects to receive some financial assistance through a Disabled Facilities Grant, they say it will not cover the full cost of the work.

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

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

Appeal for fundraising expertise

As well as asking people to donate, the family is hoping to hear from individuals, businesses and organisations who may be able to help with fundraising.

They are particularly keen to find people with experience of organising fundraising events, applying for grants or identifying charities and other sources of financial support.

The family says that even those unable to make a financial contribution can help by sharing Jude's story and raising awareness of the appeal.

All money raised will go towards adapting the family home and providing the facilities Jude needs, both now and in the years ahead.

Anyone wishing to support Jude and his family can donate to the £50,000 appeal here.