Hello everyone,

I’m writing this because I have reached a point where I don't know what else to do. I am reaching out to ask for your help for my amazing son, Ollie, who turns 6 this May.

Ollie’s journey started early. He was a late walker, only taking his first steps at two and a half years old. Almost immediately, it was clear something wasn't right, but it wasn't until an incident at a soft play area—where after months of walking, he suddenly couldn't put his feet to the floor—that we managed to get our first medical referral. Since then, he has been seen by physiotherapists, paediatricians, and occupational therapists. He has undergone countless tests: MRI scans, hip scans, X-rays, and blood work. Yet, after all these years and all these appointments, we still have no answers. No name for what he is going through.

The Boy Behind the Pain

If you have been lucky enough to meet Ollie, you know exactly who he is. He is the happiest, friendliest, and most loving little boy in the world. He has a personality that belongs on a stage—he lives to entertain people and make everyone around him happy. What is truly heartbreaking is that despite being in constant, daily pain, he shields it from everyone. He puts on a brave face for the world, and often, I am the only one who sees the toll it truly takes on him when the day is done. To see any child suffer is terrible, but to see a little boy who gives so much love and joy to others while struggling himself is just devastating.

The Daily Struggle

The reality of Ollie’s life is getting harder. He suffers from severe weakness in his legs and core muscles, and we are seeing these issues decline as he gets older. For a long time, we had to rely on a buggy to help him get around, but as he outgrew that, his needs only increased. Six months ago, it reached the point where he was officially given a wheelchair. He can now only walk very short distances; he can’t run, hop, or ride a bike with his friends. He has high sensory needs, meaning his brain is telling him to go at 100 miles an hour, but his body can’t even manage 2 miles per hour.

Recently, the pain became so intense it triggered a nighttime asthma attack, leaving us prepared to head to A&E at 5:00 am. At his latest physiotherapy appointment, they noted that his body is physically changing—his spine is beginning to curve as he tries to compensate for the pain, and his hips and ankles are under immense strain. They are now suggesting an invasive muscle biopsy, but we are still no closer to a real answer.

Why We Need Your Help

I am Ollie’s full-time single dad and his 24/7 carer. I am doing this completely on my own. I lost my job because I had to be there for his endless appointments, and Ollie can no longer attend school because they cannot support his level of pain. He was coming home in tears every single day.

We are hitting a brick wall with the public health system, and we cannot wait any longer while Ollie’s body continues to decline. We need to go private to find the specialists who can finally give us a diagnosis and a plan to manage his pain.

Our Fundraising Goal

The target I have set is an estimate to get us started. Because of where we live, getting to the right specialists involves significant travel costs—including ferries and long journeys—on top of the private consultation fees and diagnostic tests.

Every penny raised will go directly toward:

• Private consultations with leading specialists.

• Advanced diagnostic testing that hasn't been available to us yet.

• Travel and logistical costs to get Ollie to these appointments.

Even if you cannot donate, please hit the 'Share' button. Every share brings us one step closer to the specialist who might finally have the answer for Ollie. I will be posting updates here on Ollie’s progress.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for standing by us and helping me get my son the answers he deserves.

Ollie’s Dad