Non-political - Cry for help from your neighbour !

12.00.00am GMT Mon 11th Mar 2002

Jason, with Judy (one his carers)

Most of us live fairly normal, if hectic lives, working, taking kids to school, pursuing various hobbies and interests etc …

However, recently those of us living in the Culvery Gardens area would have been struck by the appeal of John & Jenny Smith on behalf of the P.D.G. TRUST. Their life is anything but normal. It is one of extraordinary love and care for their "…adopted very profoundly and seriously afflicted son", who requires "…2:1 care 24 hours a day, and needs resuscitating several nights a week". Their son Jason is now 15 years old, although he was not expected to see his fifth birthday, and the task of care has recently increased as his illness reaches its final stage. John has had to change his full-time job to part-time one to help his wife Jenny in this full-time care, and they have also had to employ two assistants to help them. This care is now taking its toll on their finances and so they are reliant on social benefits and charity donations.

The P.D.G. Trust was set up 13 years ago by Mr Garwood, a now retired British Rail coach builder, after he first met Jason. I think this is a very worthy appeal, which I would like to see extended in the local area. So as John and Jenny say in their appeal "…TRY AND HELP US as we have limited time now Jasie is so big and needs such a lot of care."

You can help with donations, spreading word of this appeal further, and prayer.