Broadsword and the local community
Archie Adams (3 years old), from Southampton, was diagnosed with transverse myelitis after a trip to the park. He was left unable to move from the neck down, as the rare condition causes spinal damage which requires months of rehabilitation. Two years of treatment followed at Southampton General Hospital and the Children’s Trust Hospital in Tamworth, Surrey.
His parents, Karen and Russell have worked tirelessly to raise money to adapt their home for Archie, and in February their dream came true when Archie was finally able to leave hospital and live with his family again. Volunteers raised thousands of pounds to install life changing facilities for Archie. The flat where the family lived prior to his illness was not suitable for his needs and they had nowhere else to go, so Russells mum donated them her house in Lordswood.
For five months local businesses and volunteers worked to revamp the ground floor of the building to create a bedroom and bathroom for Archie and install 3 hoists which will allow him to move around more easily. Hopefully this will mean that Archie can be as independent as he can.
The project was possible thanks to a donation from Southampton City Council, fundraising activities and the work of local people and businesses, who donated materials and hours of work for free.
Broadsword are proud to have been part of the team that helped Archie, and look forward to watching him make improvements and follow his progress as he goes to school and adapts to his new surroundings.
To help Archie you can donate via here
To follow Archie on Facebook please go here