Samuel's Wish

Help Samuel Take His Next Steps Toward Independence

Hello, my name is Samuel James Sutton, and I am 9 years old.

When I was just 36 weeks in my mummy's tummy, I had a stroke that caused a bleed on my brain. This has left me with cerebral palsy, left-side hemiplegia, and epilepsy.

Because of these challenges, my balance isn’t very good, and I trip over a lot, which can be exhausting. Carrying my school bag or getting dressed by myself for school or PE can be frustrating and tiring too. Everything I do is 10 times harder than it is for my friends, and sometimes I use a wheelchair to rest my legs during days out.

I also have to wear a foot and hand splint on my left side, which helps me, but they’re tight and stiff, and sometimes they hurt.

How SDR Surgery Could Change My Life

There’s a surgery called Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy (SDR) that could make a huge difference for me. This surgery would permanently remove the tightness (spasticity) in my body, making walking, running, and even just moving much easier for me.

If I could have the SDR surgery, it would be one less thing for me to worry about—and I am a big worrier! I know there’s no cure for cerebral palsy, hemiplegia, or epilepsy, but SDR surgery could make my future so much brighter. It could help me:

Walk with better posture.

Run, jump, and skip alongside my friends.

Ride a bike and a scooter.

Play football, a dream I’ve always had!

I would no longer have to feel like I’m being left behind when my friends play at school or in the park.

The operation would be carried out by the incredible Dr. T.S. Park, a world-renowned surgeon with a 100% success rate in permanently reducing spasticity. The operation, along with the travel, accommodation, and intensive post-op therapy, will cost over £60,000. Unfortunately, the NHS cannot cover any of these costs.

Why I Need Your Help

My mummy and daddy are my superheroes, but this is one thing they can’t do without your help. By donating, you’d be giving me the chance to live life like any other little boy—running, playing, and keeping up with my friends.

Your generosity will help make this dream come true, covering the costs of:

The SDR surgery itself.

Post-operative physiotherapy and rehabilitation to help me strengthen my muscles and learn to move with ease.

Travel and accommodation for me and my family as I undergo treatment abroad.

Thank You

Thank you so much for taking the time to read my story and for any donation you can make, big or small. You’re helping me take a huge step toward independence and giving me the chance to live my life to the fullest.

Love,

Samuel James Sutton 💙

7.5% of all donations to Tree of Hope in relation to this appeal will be allocated to the general charitable purposes of Tree of Hope to cover our core operating costs.

If we raise insufficient funds, or surplus funds, then the funds will be used, if appropriate, to fund support for our child’s needs in accordance with Tree of Hope’s charitable objects. If in those circumstances we are unable to use all or part of the funds for the benefit of our child in accordance with Tree of Hope’s charitable objectives, then any funds that cannot be used will be transferred to be used for the general charitable purposes of Tree of Hope