Plea for Danny

9:32am Thursday 30th August 2007

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A DEVOTED mum is desperate to raise money for equipment that could enable her 10-year-old son to stand for the first time in six months.

Danny Sanders, 10, of Linnet Rise, Kidderminster, suffers from Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy - DMD - a severe bone wasting disease.

The pupil of Heronswood Primary School - formerly Spennells First School - now confined to a conventional wheelchair, was diagnosed with the life-threatening illness when he was five.

Danny's mum, Megan Sanders, said: "We noticed there was a problem as he didn't start walking until he was 18 months old.

"Although he eventually began to walk, he never ran and struggled to climb stairs. He was given a blood test by the doctor, which revealed he was suffering from the disease."

The single mother of two has now discovered there is a special motorised wheelchair that helps elevate the user into a standing position. It costs £9,400 and the family hope charities and the public will help them raise the funds.

Danny tested the chair last Wednesday and Ms Sanders said he did not want to give it back.

She added: "Danny would really benefit from having the chair as there are lots of medical and social advantages. It will help his physical balance and psychological well being.

"It will also prevent pressure sores as he will be able to stand and sit whenever he wants. This chair will really enhance his life as, without it, he will never stand again.

"It's hard to believe that this time last year he was walking. I want him to have the chair so he can make the most of his short life."

The 41-year-old, who works at Lloyds TSB in Kidderminster, also feels the chair will give her more quality time to spend with nine-year-old daughter, Bethany.

She went on: "It's hard to get someone to help me with Danny because no-one knows how to lift him. Bethany is really helpful and will do anything for him. They are very close and never go to bed without cuddling each other.

"People often forget her. Danny's got the illness but she is a part of it too as it also affects her life.

"I don't think I would be able to manage without her help and support. I'm only able to work part time as I need to care for Danny, so I do struggle financially from time to time."

She added: "Staff and pupils at his school have been brilliant and include him as much as possible. The other kids really accept him. He's very intelligent and is good with computers. His brain has not been affected by the disease."

Ms Sanders is set to take part in the Hydro Active Women's Challenge in Birmingham on Sunday, September 16 to help raise money for Parent Project UK, a charity that supports sufferers of DMD.

Can you help Danny? Call Shuttle/Times & News reporter Cadisha Brown on 01562 633341