The mother of a five-year-old girl with epilepsy has said “time is precious” as the family hope to raise enough money to modify their home, giving their daughter access to her own therapy room.
Doris Bufton was born with a rare, life-limiting brain condition, lissencephaly, and was later diagnosed with cerebral palsy and extremely complex medication-resistant epilepsy, meaning she’s unable to attend school and has hospital visits on a weekly basis.
Doris’s parents, Alexandra and Kris, were told there was a high chance Doris wouldn’t survive beyond the age of two, but the five-year-old continues to “smile and is happy most days”.
Having already spent thousands of pounds on adapting Doris’s bedroom and home bathroom, dad Kris has also converted the family’s garage in Locks Heath into a therapy room, with Doris at risk of scoliosis.
The therapy room gives Doris her own space to learn, play, and complete daily therapy tasks to build up her strength and prevent the likelihood of surgery.
Doris Bufton (centre), with mum Alexandra, dad Kris, and sisters Amelia and Poppy (Image: Supplied) READ MORE: Archie’s Warriors launches at Southampton General Hospital
However, with Doris growing and getting older, it’s becoming increasingly difficult for her to access the therapy room, where she’s having to be carried to.
Doris’s family is hoping to raise £30,000 to convert their house and install hoists, making it easier for Doris to gain access to the therapy room, support her own weight, and prolong her life.
Speaking to the Echo, mum Alexandra said: “Doris has had more than 40 hospital visits since January.
“She’s still a happy child but doesn’t understand what’s going on, cognitively she’s 12-months-old.
“She’s too unstable for school, so we’ve had to modify our home to give her the best possible life, because she needs specialist equipment. Things that would cost most children hundreds of pounds costs us thousands.
“We just want to give her the best life possible and keep the prospect of surgeries as far away as possible.
“Our time with her is so precious and we can’t afford to wait a year to give her the extra support she needs, it would be life changing.”
In the 24 hours since the online fundraiser was launched, more than £250 has been raised so far.
Alexandra added: “We’re so grateful for everyone’s support.
“We don’t like to ask people for help, but every day is unpredictable and we’re doing everything we can to help Doris.”
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