In March 2013, Andrew Patterson, ex-Ireland international and father of three, was diagnosed with Spastic Paraplegia (a rare hereditary disorder which results in wheelchair confinement). Whilst the initial deterioration was slow, Andrew has now discovered that the mutation of the SPG7 gene which is responsible for the disorder means his decline will be rapid and wheelchair confinement is imminent. As an ex-international and first-class cricketer, Andrew has decided to take the route of physiotherapy for the time being, avoiding oral medication which inevitably carries side-effects. In preparation for the deterioration of his legs, the family managed to adapt their home to accommodate for the changes, exhausting all their funds, costing over £200 000, but not anticipating that the deterioration would be so rapid, now falling £25 000 short and in need of a lift to allow Andrew access to the bedroom and the rest of the upstairs. Reconstructing the staircase would have cost far more than originally anticipated so the advice is to install a lift and this is where your support comes in.  I have known Andrew for 15 years. Once an extremely active father to Ella (14), Brooke (12) and Drew (10), he no longer has the ability to be as hands-on as he once was. With wife Sarah working full time, Andrew often has to rely on his in-laws to help with the children, whilst still holding down a full-time teaching job. Having won 61 caps for Ireland as a wicketkeeper and batsman, Andrew has faced some pretty gruelling challenges, but none such as this. His cricketing career, both international and domestic (having played first-class for Sussex CCC), made him an attractive option when he decided to dedicate his working life to passing his knowledge on to the next generation. As a full-time PE teacher at King's College School (Wimbledon) from 2001-2007 and Caterham School since, Andrew's love for sport and coaching has had an abrupt and premature ending. His livelihood and family life have been affected beyond recognition and now with a lack of funds, the family are facing even more challenges. It is my goal to raise £25 000 to support the Patterson family in the hope that a sense of normality can be returned to their lives, albeit in the shape of a small indoor lift. Financial burdens and physical deterioration are enough to deal with as a young family - it is my plea that we help ease the load. Please note that any additional funds raised over and above the £25 000 goal will go directly to the family to aid in further renovations and needs. It may be that Andrew will require equipment above what the NHS may be able to provide. Given that there are many unknowns with regards to the prognosis, hidden costs in the future will no doubt be needed and all additional funds will be used for these purposes only. **UPDATE** Phase 2 In under 48 hours, the total target of £25 000 has been smashed. I have had numerous requests (from donors) to up the target to further support the family. In response to this, I have consulted Andrew and Sarah and they have welcomed the request. In addition to the lift (which they can now install - whoop whoop!), a disabled en suite will need to be installed off their bedroom and ramps set up around the site to accommodate and allow for disabled access. This will incur further costs, and according to a recent meeting with the council, estimates (including the lift) average at around £75 000. I, therefore, propose a new target. Please continue to share this page with those on your social media accounts and beyond. Thank you from both the family and myself.

Molly Sultan

David Stewart

Jennifer Brooks

Fay Burns

Anonymous

Ben Debenham

Steve McChesney

Cecile Ellis

mike green

Chris Murphy

Dorota Harris

Greg Hocking

Sheena Bailey

Philip Williamson

Stuart Grange

Max Scowen

Liam Burns

Allan and Eilish Rutherford

Mark Chatfield

Graham Knott

Father of 3 needs a lift due to crippling disease

Father of 3 needs a lift due to crippling disease

Still £2,825 to go. Help us build momentum.