Worksop: Parents of '˜amazing' disabled son Brandon recognised for fundraising efforts

Fundraising efforts to help adapt the Worksop home of a little boy with cerebral palsy have been recognised by Bassetlaw District Council.

The parents of five-year-old Brandon, Sally and Gavin Craske-Playfoot, were honoured for raising £8,000 so far at a ceremony at Worksop Town Hall recently.

Born in June 2011, little Brandon did not take his first breath for 12 minutes- which left him with severe brain damage and cerebral palsy.

As Brandon has grown, the family home on Nene Walk is no longer equipped to deal with his needs, with an extension and redesign of the entire house required.

Brandon with his Dad, GavinBrandon with his Dad, Gavin
Brandon with his Dad, Gavin

This will include the installation of a specially-designed bath, doorways wide enough to fit Brandon’s wheelchair through and a hoist so that he can be lifted easily.

Though the £50,000 project will be partly-funded by the council, it is estimated that the family will need to independently raise £10,000 to hit their target.

Gail Whittaker, Brandon’s auntie and chief fundraiser, told the Guardian: “Of course I am a little bias, but Brandon is amazing and such a lovely little boy who is always smiling.

“Brandon currently attends St. Giles school and staff there are currently teaching him how to communicate using a computer.

Brandon with his Dad, GavinBrandon with his Dad, Gavin
Brandon with his Dad, Gavin

“Unfortunately, home equipment for people with disabilities costs an awful lot,.

“But we have received so much support from the community with our ongoing project which we are incredibly grateful for.”

The latest fundraising event will be a games night at the Anchor Inn on Saturday, April 30.

The pub, based on Eastgate, has agreed to donate £1 to Brandon for every meal sold and is also holding a raffle with prizes to be won.

To book a table for the event, call the Anchor Inn on 01909 477807.