Beneficiaries

Great Strides

Livewire Jimmy Simpson brings a smile to the face of almost everyone he meets. The five-year-old was born with cerebral palsy but has never let that get in the way of enjoying life.

Now his family and teachers are hoping he will be able to achieve his biggest goal-to walk. Jimmy, from South Shields, was born with quadriplegic cerebral palsy, which means he has always been confined to a wheelchair. But, since starting Percy Hedley School in Forest Hall, Newcastle, his family have new hope that one day he might walk. Mum Kimberley, 31, said: “The teachers there have been really encouraging and are working hard with Jimmy.

“We are al hoping that, in the future, he might be able to get up and walk. “We realise he would need aids to help him, but everyone has been delighted by how much he is improving at the minute.” Jimmy, who has an older brother, jack, nine was born with the debilitating condition due to a lack of oxygen during his birth. It means he also has trouble communicating with people around him. But during the past five years he has proven himself a real fighter, battling to lead a normal life. He has found his own way of moving and bounces around the family’s living room. Kimberley married to David, 33, said:

“He’s a bit of a practical joker too and has tripped me up on more than one occasion.” Now Jimmy is working with staff at the school to improve his body movements. Kimberley added: “He has got more determination than anyone I know. “He can move his limbs but, unfortunately, his movements aren’t always the right ones.” The family, from Caerurfa Close, are hoping to buy the youngster a special “voice-box” which will allow him better communication with others. Kimberley said: “I can understand him, but it is difficult for other people. “He has a symbol book which he uses but, most of the time, he can make himself perfectly clear to us.”


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