Disabled by the NHS
Ellis was not born disabled.
Ellis was disabled by the system that was meant to protect him.
Ellis was born on 16 March 2019. He was later diagnosed with a birth injury leading to secondary cerebral palsy – spastic diplegia, a non-progressive neurological injury. That matters, because non-progressive means it should not get worse.
With the right care, children like Ellis are expected to maintain or improve function.
Ellis didn’t.
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The Care Ellis Should Have Had
Ellis should have received:
• Early specialist neurological oversight
• Proper tone management
• Individualised neuro-physiotherapy
• Orthotics used cautiously and reviewed frequently
• Escalation to tertiary specialists when local care failed
• Ongoing reassessment to prevent secondary injury
This care exists.
Ellis simply didn’t receive it.
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What Actually Happened
Ellis was repeatedly kept in the wrong pathways.
Instead of being seen by the specialists who manage spasticity, gait, and motor development, Ellis was routed through epilepsy clinics he did not belong in, despite not having epilepsy.
While he sat in waiting rooms meant for other children:
• Specialist referrals were delayed or refused
• Rigid orthotics were used for prolonged periods
• Exercises were prescribed that increased muscle tone instead of reducing it
• Deterioration was normalised rather than investigated
• Responsibility was endlessly deferred — “wait”, “review later”, “await acceptance”
And while the system waited, Ellis deteriorated.
A non-progressive condition progressed.
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Catastrophic Injury & Hellish Surgery
As a result of years of delayed and inappropriate management, Ellis suffered catastrophic secondary injuries — injuries that should never have happened.
Ellis was forced to undergo hellish, invasive corrective surgery.
Not elective.
Not optional.
Surgery made necessary because preventable harm had already occurred.
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Ellis’s Determination
Despite everything — the pain, the trauma, the surgery — Ellis never gave up.
He showed extraordinary determination to walk.
He pushed through pain no child should know.
He fought for every movement, every step.
When Ellis was finally given appropriate support, he responded — proving what we always knew:
Ellis was never the problem.
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This Is His Last Chance
Ellis is now at a critical window in his development.
If he receives the specialist care he needs now, there is still a chance to:
• Protect his remaining mobility
• Prevent further deterioration
• Preserve independence
• Honour the fight he has already given
If we wait any longer, that window will close.
This is not about comfort.
This is about whether Ellis will walk, function, and live independently.
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Why We Are Asking for Help
We are fundraising to secure:
• Independent specialist neurological and orthopaedic care
• Intensive rehabilitation outside blocked NHS pathways
• Ongoing therapy to protect the gains Ellis fought for
• Equipment and support to prevent further harm
Ellis has already paid the price for systemic failure.
He should not lose his future too.
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Please Don’t Let His Fight Go to Waste
Ellis has done everything asked of him — and more.
He endured catastrophic injury.
He survived hellish surgery.
He fought to walk.
This is his last chance.
Please help us give Ellis the care he should have received years ago.
Please help ensure his suffering — and his determination — were not in vain.
Donate if you can.
Share if you can’t.
No child should ever be disabled by the system meant to protect them.