Help Albert Get the Best Start In Life

Hi, my name’s Darren, and I’m writing this on behalf of my amazing sister and her little boy, Albert.

Albert’s start in life has been far from easy. He suffered a stroke at birth, though we didn’t discover it until he was 6 months old. At that time, he was also diagnosed with terrifying infantile spasms, a very dangerous form of infant epilepsy. He endured 5 long months of gruelling treatment with prednisolone and vigabatrin. These powerful medications were necessary, but they took a toll—delaying his development and stealing precious milestones most parents take for granted.

An MRI at 6 months revealed full, irreversible damage to the left motor cortex of his brain, likely caused by an occlusion of the left middle cerebral artery. In practical terms, this means Albert faces huge challenges in learning to walk, move, and use the right side of his body.

The NHS has been supportive, but it can only go so far. The specialist therapies that could truly change Albert’s future—Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy (CIMT), hydrotherapy, private physiotherapy, and chiropractic care—aren’t funded. These therapies give children like Albert the best possible chance to walk independently and gain meaningful use of their affected side.

Albert is the most determined, resilient little boy I’ve ever met. Every smile, every tiny step forward, is a victory for him—and for all of us who love him. With the right support now, while his brain is still developing, we can make a world of difference to his independence and quality of life.

We’re asking for help to fund these essential therapies. Every contribution, no matter how small, brings us closer to giving Albert the fighting chance he deserves.

From the bottom of my heart—thank you for reading, sharing, and supporting Albert’s journey

— Darren