George who lives in Whetstone is 11 years old and has Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.  “George is an avid Arsenal supporter – his visits to the Arsenal Reserves every month (sometimes twice a month) are as regular as clockwork,” his mother Diane told Arsenal Times. George’s favourite player is Robin van Persie, his favourite match is any game that Arsenal plays.

 However the Gunner’s recent 7-0 thrashing of Slavia Prague was one of the greatest nights he has had watching Arsenal. During the time he has watched games at Barnet George has met some of the top guns, and has had his photo taken with Theo Walcott and Sol Campbell. George also enjoys following his heroes progress on the Internet. George recently did the  tour of the new Arsenal Stadium and particularly enjoyed seeing where his favourite player keeps his shirt and boots.

 

 

He has very little independent movement, although he can use his hands providing his arms are supported and there is a little movement in his feet, trunk and neck muscles.   He is totally reliant on others for all his needs.  When the local services were not able to provide the special wheelchair which would improve George’s quality of life so much, his mother Diane went on the internet to find where she could get the help she needed. 

 As a result, she contacted React who provided the costly wheelchair which has now been especially made for George.   This gives George some freedom and independence and he is able to be in control of his positioning – whether he wants to sit, lie down or stand.   This is very important as George started secondary school in September.

 One of his favourite sessions at school is using the hydrotherapy pool, just like his Arsenal heroes.

 

Diane says, “I am so very grateful to React – the wheelchair has arrived and George is so thrilled.” The new wheel chair means that George can now sit up straight to watch his beloved Arsenal play at the Barnet ground. His physiotherapist came to see him and is very pleased with the way he is sitting and standing now.  React acted so speedily and it is so wonderful that George did not have to wait for ages.   I want other families to hear about the help that React can provide”

 

Arsenal fans can help by spreading the news of REACTS good work to other families whose children need help. REACT have discovered that only an estimated 18% of families on low incomes with potentially terminally ill children, know about the help that React can give. So spread the news or send a donation to REACT.

  

React works closely with medical professionals to provide families with specialist, practical help and equipment.

React is based in Kew and can be contacted on 020 8940 2575 or react@reactcharity.org

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