My name is Stela, and I am writing with a heavy heart to ask for help for my 13-year-old son, Eddie.

Until recently, Eddie was a healthy, active, and happy boy. He loved school, friends, and sport, and he had his whole life ahead of him. In a single moment, everything changed.

Eddie suffered a severe cervical spinal cord injury in an accident 6 weeks ago in a trampoline park .

He required urgent, complex surgery to his neck, where metal plates and screws were inserted to stabilise his spine. The injury has left him paralysed from the chest down, with very limited hand function, and he now relies on a wheelchair.

Nothing prepares a parent for hearing that their child may never walk again.

Eddie is currently undergoing intensive rehabilitation. He is learning how to live in a body that no longer works the way it once did.

Simple things — sitting up, using his hands, managing bladder and bowel care — are daily challenges.

Despite everything, Eddie is incredibly brave.

He works hard in therapy, even on days when he is exhausted, frustrated, or heartbroken.

As his parents, we stay strong for him — but the road ahead is long, uncertain, and overwhelming.

While the NHS has been lifesaving, Eddie’s recovery will depend on long-term, specialist rehabilitation, much of which is not fully covered.

We are facing significant costs for:

• Specialist private physiotherapy and neuro-rehabilitation

• Occupational therapy to improve hand and arm function

• Advanced equipment -standing frame, hand splints, electrical stimulation devices

• Home adaptations to make our house wheelchair accessible - wet room

• Travel and accommodation for specialist treatment centres

• Ongoing care needs as Eddie grows

As Eddie is still a child, his needs will change as his body grows, meaning support will be needed not just now, but for years to come.

Every donation — no matter how small — helps give Eddie the best possible chance at independence, dignity, and quality of life. Your kindness will help him access therapies that could improve his function, protect his health, and support his mental wellbeing.

If you are unable to donate, sharing this page means just as much to us.

We never imagined we would be in this position. Asking for help is not easy, but we are doing this for our son — for his future.

Thank you very much for reading, caring, and supporting Eddie on this journey.

With gratitude,

Stela & family