ETHAN'S NEW LIFE (From Barry And District News)

ETHAN'S NEW LIFE

LITTLE Ethan Herbert has been given a new lease of life since getting his mini wheelchair - and it"s all thanks to the generosity of the people of Barry and the Vale!

The Barry and District News appealed to the public in October to raise the hundreds of pounds needed to purchase a wheelchair for two-and-a-half-year-old Ethan.

Ethan suffers from cerebral palsy and hydrocephalus, which has significantly affected his development.

Ethan cannot walk, just shuffle around the floor on his bottom, and before having his wheelchair, the youngster had to sit in a pushchair at playgroup and watch the others playing, unable to join in.

This was upsetting for Ethan, because despite his debilitating condition, he is an extremely sociable and playful child.

But since getting his wheelchair two weeks ago, Ethan"s mum Vicky said her son has become a much happier child, with the chair giving him with a great deal of freedom.

Mum-of-three Vicky, who lives in George Street, Barry, said: "He"s still learning how to move around in the chair, but it"s making such a difference to his life.

"He can now do the things that other kids do.

"Ethan might be starting nursery in May and this chair will be a big help."

Vicky has also managed to buy sensory equipment for Ethan"s room with the money raised thanks to generous readers.

This equipment includes a bubble tube and light display and an aromatherapy unit.

Vicky said that she never expected the response to the appeal to be so great.

"I am so pleased," she said.

"I am so grateful to the people who raised money for Ethan"s chair and I would like to thank them all sincerely."

*Contributors to Ethan"s wheelchair fund included: The Rotary Club of Barry; staff at Iceland supermarket; Virgin Cosmetics; Peter Alan Estate Agents of Barry; Rachel Cotty of Barry; Mrs M Thorogood of Wenvoe; Mrs M Bacon of Barry; Harry and Ian Sinclair of Rhoose; Mrs DM Booker; Mr Whiting of Barry; E Williams of Barry; The Parish of Cadoxton-Juxta-Barry; and the Mees family of Barry.