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Having fun now child’s play for brave little lad

21 January 2010

Chron Charity Gifts Help Brighten Up Youngster's Life

Little Tyler Townsley’s disability presents a great deal of challenges for him and his family. The four-year-old suffers from cerebral palsy, which affects all four limbs significantly. He also has severe learning difficulties, limited vision and is unable to speak.

But the Chronicle’s Sunshine Fund has lent a helping hand to the family, of Longsdale Court, South Shields, by buying a number of items to help him play and interact with objects.

Tyler requires support in all positions and can only lift his head to look at a toy. Now he has a CD player which he can turn on by tilting his head and is connected to a cushion that vibrates.

Dad Mark, 36, and mum Lynn, 25, care full-time for Tyler and his twin brother Dylan, who suffers from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and delayed development.

Mark said: “We are over the moon with the new equipment as it allows Tyler to play as well as stimulating him through touch and sound.

“Tyler loves it as it is something he can do himself. It has definitely helped his quality of life. Obviously our other two boys can play, so it is lovely that Tyler can join in, in his own way.

“It is very expensive equipment so we really appreciate the grant from the Sunshine Fund.”

Vicky Mercer, Tyler’s physiotherapist, said the little boy was really enjoying his new toys.

She said: “Tyler does not have much active movement so he can’t play with a lot of toys other little boys can.

“This is something just for him, so he can learn to operate it himself. This means he really gets to experience the music.”


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