A team of first class posties from Lockerbie delivery office will climb the three highest peaks in Dumfries and Galloway-The Queensberry, Criffel and The Merrick – next month to raise funds for 14- year-old Kelsey Palmer.
She was born premature after her mum Stacey’s waters broke at 19 weeks. Doctors encouraged her to terminate the pregnancy but she refused, and baby Kelsey was born nine weeks later, weighing less thanabag of sugar.
But the little one suffered a brain haemorrhage during labour and as a result has been left with severe cerebral palsy, hydrocephalus, she is profoundly deaf and is paraplegic, and also suffers from epilepsy, meaning she needs 24 hour care and access to specialist equipment.
The teen has now outgrown her specialist chair, but an upgrade comes witha£1800 price tag. And the family don’t qualify for funding as dad Stuart works.
Family friend and postwoman Laura Sproat said: “We just feel that it’s wrong that this family are being penalised by the authorities for adequate disability funding due to the fact Kelsey’s dad is a working man.
“Is it fair that Kelsey can’t get the things she desperately needs to enable her to have a better quality of life and safety within the family home?”
And after hearing about the cost of equipment and lack of support, fellow postie Andrew Brown wanted to help the Palmers.
He said: “There are six in that family, mum, dad, Kelsey and three other children and it’s disgusting that they are being punished for working. “£1800 is a lot of money for any family to pay out and that’s why we’re helping.”
He added: “As a group of local people, living and working in the area, we think it’s a our duty to help this family.
“I’m very proud that so many people in the team are on board and taking part. Even those who aren’t doing the challenge and still helping in their own way.”
Laura added: “As local posties we want to support this family by raising as much as we can and getting this little girl who deserves the best quality of life all the specialist equipment she needs to live in as much comfort and safety as possible.”
On May 14, a team of 12 Annandale postmen and women will complete the charity challenge.
They hope to earn enough to not just purchase the chair, but also other life altering equipment such as a swing and sensory toys. A JustGiving page has been set up – www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/laura-sproat-2 – and donations can also be handed in at the Lockerbie Delivery Office and at other locations.
