We are delighted to announce that the charity we will support for the next year will be Ethan Burney’s Wishes. Little Ethan was born with a rare condition, Aarskog syndrome, which is severely affecting his eyesight, feet and legs. He has had to endure a number of operations on his feet and legs, but that doesn’t stop him supporting his favourite football team The Bournemouth Cherries!
There are only 12 known cases of this Aarskog syndrome in the UK and 3 of those are Ethan and his 2 older brothers. The syndrome has left Ethan with very slight autism and very poor vision. Sadly, he is likely to lose his eyesight completely by the age of 10. Mobility problems are also part of his illness and he finds walking, and especially running, a huge and tiring task. However, he doesn’t let this stop him taking part in his favourite sport, football, and he is AFC Bournemouth’s number one fan! Ethan has so far had 3 operations to help move his legs and is due to have a further operation soon with a doctor flying in from America especially to help him. Due to the severe pain in his legs, Ethan only manages 3 to 4 hours of sleep a night however he doesn’t let this affect him and is a bubbly, happy and kind child. His family are trying to make as many happy memories for Ethan before his sight deteriorates further and this is where we will now be able to help.
Ethan has a list of wishes and we have decided that any money raised by us at the Greendale Christmas party will go towards treating Ethan and his family to a holiday at Center Parcs which is one of the items on his list! Ethan will be able to relax with his family, take part in lots of activities and enjoy his own hot tub – something which we are told by his mum is really good for the pain in his legs. Any additional money raised after this can then be put towards other items on his wish list.
Greendale will be raising awareness and funds through a number of events for Ethan over the next 12 months, which we will keep you updated with and hope you can join in with your support.
You can follow Ethan’s Facebook page here https://www.facebook.com/ethanswishes/
Or pledge via the Just Giving page here https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/EthanBurneywishes
