UPDATE - a post from Natalie and Callum:

We honestly don't know how to express how grateful we are for everyone's donations! We’re feeling overwhelmed and thankful to see the generosity of our loving friends and family.

We've already reached our target for the specialised travel bed and are one step closer to the family holiday we've wanted for so long. We can't wait to try it out with some overnight stays with family. This will give me, Callum and Heidi the rejuvenating respite that we need in order to keep up with our gorgeous Booboo day-to-day!

We don't plan on stopping there, however! We never anticipated getting so much, never mind so quickly. There is always equipment that we need both at and away from home. We are leaving the page open in case anyone else would like to donate. Some examples of things the funds would go towards would be more equipment to make her room even more safe, a new mattress, sensory equipment and a new specialised stroller.

We are so lucky to have you all. On behalf of Elsie - Thank you, thank you, thank you. xxxx

ORIGINAL POST:

Hello, we’re Katy and Susy, and we’re raising funds for a travel safety bed for our beautiful niece, Elsie.

Elsie has a rare genetic condition called FOXP1 syndrome. This condition is often associated with delays in early motor and language development, speech and communication difficulties, and behavioural differences. Elsie is still very young, so we’re learning alongside her every day and discovering how FOXP1 affects her as she grows.

What we do know is that Elsie is a ball of energy from morning right through the night. Her hyperactivity doesn’t switch off at bedtime and this has made nights particularly challenging. Because of her very active and destructive behaviour at night time, my sister Natalie and her husband Callum haven’t been able to take Elsie anywhere away from home overnight for several years. Sadly, it’s not just the furniture that’s at stake; it can pose a real risk to Elsie’s safety.

As a result, holidays have had to be ruled out, and Elsie hasn’t been able to stay overnight with grandparents or other family members. This has meant Natalie and Callum have missed out on rest, support and respite at a time when they need it most.

Our goal is to raise enough money to purchase a specialist travel safety bed for Elsie. This would provide a secure, enclosed sleeping space that keeps her safe throughout the night, while also giving her parents peace of mind, when staying away from home. Most importantly, it would open up the possibility of family holidays and allow Elsie to stay overnight with grandparents, something many families take for granted, but which would mean the world to them.

The family are hoping to buy the safety bed by July, as they’re planning their first family holiday in a long time with both sets of grandparents. This bed would make that possible and safe for everyone.

The safety bed is £3,200 but we’re hoping to raise a little extra for bedding to go with it. Here’s a link so you can see the travel safety bed for yourselves https://share.google/NfV3yKLNHd9lU09fT

Thank you so much for reading, sharing, or donating. Every contribution, no matter the size, brings this gorgeous family one step closer to rest, reassurance, and precious shared time together.