Can you help Great Wood School prevent Year 4 Maxwell’s isolation and keep him connected to his friends? We’d like to purchase an AVI robotic avatar so Year 4 Max who is currently bed and sofa bound and undergoing chemotherapy can choose when to join his class – in lessons or on the playground. We’ve got him an ipad and can afford the annual service but not the £3,000 for the device.

Maxwell has been at Great Wood School since reception. Max is known to pretty much everyone in school who recognise his positivity in the face of challenges. Max has a smile for everyone and when in school he brought out the best in those around him. The school cheered him on during his first chemotherapy in Year 1 and when he ran at Sports Day in Year 2. Max's medical journey has been challenging, particularly in the last 12 months leading to use of a walker, then a wheelchair. Max has various medical conditions including hypertonia and a tumour near his brain; he is currently undergoing chemotherapy once again, under the care of the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital. Max's ability to learn is fine and he has a wicked sense of humour. He was delighted to attend school at the beginning of Year 4 after a tough summer - but he has declined further physically and since the end of September he has remained at home - just round the corner from school, on the sofa or in bed and unable to get into school. Max gets fatigued, but when he has energy, though his body isn't functioning as he was used to, we'd really like him to be connected to his classmates and everything that is going on in class.

We have found a robot-like device that would allow Max to be able to choose when he is able to join his class, for learning or more importantly on the playground and for the social connection. The Max avatar would light up when connected and he'd be able to listen and watch- give signals or talk. This link details how the robot-like avatar can keep children connected when their medical needs prevent them attending school.

Thank you, in advance, for your support and for sharing this with those who can help.