CHRISTMAS has come early this year for one upper dale family whose son was left brain-damaged after being struck down by a mystery condition seven years ago.
Parents Scott and Joanna Denton, of Middleton-in-Teesdale, are overjoyed with their son’s new sensory room which is now complete, thanks to the support of the local community and funding from The Bradley Lowery Foundation.
Josh Denton, who is now ten, suffered a seizure in September 2012 which left him unable to walk or talk.
He continues to require round-the-clock care.
Having outgrown his specialised bed a couple of years ago and with no government funding available, the couple were told that their son should sleep on a mattress on the floor.
As a result, a fundraising appeal was launched with the support of The Bradley Lowery Foundation.
A £20,000 target was set and a new Oasis cot bed was purchased in May last year when the £10,000 milestone was reached.
Josh was the first child to benefit from the charity which was set up in memory of six-year-old Bradley Lowery who died in July 2017 following a brave fight against a rare form of cancer known as neuroblastoma.
When the campaign for young Joshua closed, a final total of £17,924 had been raised, allowing work to begin on a sensory room for the Evergreen Primary School pupil.
Josh’s bedroom is now complete with an interactive floor, an interactive wall panel which reacts to Josh making noises, as well as padded drawers and a padded toy box. The room is also fitted with a camera.
Josh’s mum, Mrs Denton, said: “Josh really loves his new room. It is perfect for him. It stimulates him and it is safe.
“It is exactly how we had imagined it.
“Josh has got a bed now which is fully suitable and safe for him. It is all padded and has high sides.”
She added: “We have slept on the floor in his room ever since he was poorly. It was the norm for us to stay in there with Josh.
“We no longer have to do that. Our minds are at rest now. There is a camera in his room so we can watch him.
“Josh can now sleep in his room and we don’t need to worry. We know he is safe.”
Mr and Mrs Denton, who are also mum and dad to eight-year-old Mia, thanked everyone for their support.
Mrs Denton said: “Josh is sleeping better now and we are too. It has made a huge difference for us all.
“It is more than we could ever have wanted for Christmas. It is perfect.”
The couple also expressed their appreciation for the support they received from The Bradley Lowery Foundation.
Mrs Denton said: “We are very grateful to everyone who has supported us and donated.
“We are also so grateful that The Bradley Lowery Foundation wanted to help us. It is hard to put into words what it means to us. It is fantastic.
“Without everyone’s help this would not have been possible. It is a safe space for Josh where he can play safe. It is perfect. It has made Josh’s life.”
