THE overjoyed family of a three-year-old boy who has cerebral palsy have thanked contributors after the target of a year-long campaign for a life-changing hydrotherapy pool was finally reached.
Youngster Daniel Green, whose brain is damaged in three areas, was diagnosed with a mitochondrial disorder at four months old leaving him struggling to stand, sit and eat.
Zoe Darcy, Daniel’s grandmother, has actively campaigned for months to raise vital funds of £23,000 that would help install a specialist pool for Daniel.
On Monday, the family were overwhelmed to discover that they had finally reached their target and were able to buy the pool - despite initial concerns during the pandemic.
Zoe, from Darfield, told the Chronicle: “I’ve been in tears all morning with the news. Sometimes we thought this was impossible - especially with the tough times we’re having this year.
“The campaign stalled slightly earlier this year and we were worried we’d never get there.
“People have rallied around us and we can’t thank them enough for their generosity.
“Nothing is impossible for the people of Barnsley - I’m certain of it. When I felt myself flagging, or if Daniel was deteriorating, people would take us by the hand and help us up.
“It’s because of them that this has happened and I’ll be forever grateful.”
Zoe was shocked when she received an unexpected donation that would tip the scales in her favour.
“This was completely unexpected. Over the weekend, we spoke with the owners of Audrey’s Coffee and Deli on Doncaster Road, who made an absolutely unbelievable donation that brought us over the line.
“They said they wanted to do whatever they could to help us and we’re so grateful.
“We know times are tough for businesses at the moment, but for them to think of us is unbelievable. I’m so thankful for them.
“They even turned up with a cheque at our door and I was crying buckets.”
With the £23,000 target met, the family have to go to work ordering the pool which is set to be life-altering for Daniel.
“This is life-changing for him. This past year has been difficult for him as he’s had to self-isolate because he is a high risk for the virus. We’ve been in lockdown as a family since March.
“Because we’ve been self-isolating, we’ve not been able to build his muscles as much as we would like.
“To have raised the funds has come at any amazing time, just before the second lockdown. He’ll now be able to ease himself of the pain where he can.
“When we first started this last year, it felt unachievable. But with the relentless support of our family, friends and local community we’ve been able to cross the line together.
“I’m proud to be from Barnsley. This will change Daniel’s life for the better.”
