Worksop family raising money for cerebral palsy son reach first milestone

Brandon with his dad Gavin, have reached a halfway milestone in the money they need to raise for building improvements so the youngsters with cerebral palsy can receive care at home

Brandon Craske-Playfoot was born on June 1 2011 but did not take his first breath for 12 minutes, this left him with severe brain damage and cerebral palsy.

Now as he is getting older the family home in Nene Walk is not equipped to deal with his needs.

Auntie and fundraiser coordinator, Gail Whittaker, 43, said: “We are over the moon that we have raised nearly £5,000 and everyone who has backed our campaign to give a little boy a better quality of life, thank you.”

The family are trying to raise money for an extension and redesign of their house, which would see hoists in the bedroom and bathroom to lift the four-year-old along with wider doors for his wheelchairs and ramp access.

It it estimated that the project will cost £50,000 and it is thought that Basstelaw Council will only provide funds up to £40,000.

Gail said: “We are doing so well with our fundraising, I don’t want momentum to stop but raising the money would be lifechanging for Brandon.”

The St Giles School pupil also has a heart condition called aortic stenosis, which means his main heart valve does not work as it should, he had a operation on it at nine weeks old and will also need further surgery to replace his aorta at anytime.

The youngster struggles to eat full meals and has to have most food blended and he has had a gastro tube fitted into his stomach to top his calorie intake up at night.

Dad, Gavin Craske-Playfoot, 37, said: “I know this is a lot of money but having this extension means Brandon can stay with his family and be cared in his own home where he feels safe and secure, but we don’t have the money to meet the shortfall.”

In the next month the family have planned a race night at Breakers Snooker Club, Newcastle Avenue on Saturday, January 23 at 7pm tickets £1 and in February there will be a disco and sponsored head shave at Mantford Sports Club, Retford Road on Friday, February 26 and tickets are £2.50 for adults and £1.50 for under 10s.

“As Brandon is only four we want our fundraising to be aimed at families and we are excited about these events.

“They are going to be fun and we would love you all to come along and meet Brandon so you can see what a wonderful and bubbly character he has and why he needs the money.”

Most recently the family picked up donation of £160 from Kingston Park Academy in Cartlon in Lindrick who held a Christmas raffle for Brandon last term.

Tickets for the disco and race night are available from Gail, call 07896229951 for more information.