Raising funds to change teen's life - The Redditch Standard

Raising funds to change teen's life

Redditch Editorial 22nd Jan, 2015 Updated: 18th Oct, 2016   0

A BATCHLEY woman is on a mission to raise £10,000 in just three months to help change a teenager’s life.

Sarah Pitts, who works at the Alexandra Hospital, is trying to reach the figure in order to fund an operation in America for her friend’s daughter.

Ciara Barry, aged 13, was diagnosed with Rett syndrome which affects the development of the brain at just three-years-old and has further developed scoliosis.

The only option in the UK is surgery involving a metal rod being inserted into her back. But should she survive the operation, the teenager is allergic to metal and it could cause further complications such as brain damage.




Instead, the 36-year-old wants to send her to the Clear Institute in Miami for treatment which can stop scoliosis from progressing further and could reverse it to some degree.

Parents are also trained on how to use a traction chair which is used daily at home to allow the spine to maintain the correct position.


“When I spoke to Ciara’s mother Sam, I told her if we sit here and do nothing then it could never happen. We had to at least try,” Miss Pitts said.

“I know it is a short time but I think we can do this. We need to do this, it means everything to them.”

She added she had since teamed up with the Tree of Hope to raise the money, and had spoken to businesses in the Kingfisher Shopping Centre which have agreed to donate prizes for a raffle.

“We want to do bake sales and fund-raising events, so it just about getting the wheels in motion.”

Visit www.justgiving.com/keepciarawalking to donate to the appeal.

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