This is Arlo Newcombe. He’s just 2 years old. Arlo was born with a strain of lung disease so rare he is the only child in the UK with this particular genetic mutation. The family have been under the care of Kings College Hospital since birth and confined to a small cubicle during that time.
The family’s main aim is get Arlo home but raising a child with a complex condition is a challenge. Arlo needs a minimum of two highly-specialist trained carers and is dependant on oxygen 24 hours a day. The family home in its current condition is not quite what the family need and needs to be re-designed to make it possible for him to come home.
In step BBC DIY SOS to do what they do so well. In just ten days, they have been working solidly with local tradesman and companies to make this possible for the Newcombe family. Despite a few dramas with Billy’s tools being stolen from his van, the local Chislehurst and Bromley community have pulled together to make this happen.
Today (Thursday 25th October) will be the big reveal for the family who will return home after staying at Demelza Hospice Care for Children whilst this project has been underway.
Demelza Hospice Care for Children is the local children’s hospice based in Eltham, South London. They provide specialist care and emotional support for children with terminal conditions and their loved ones, so they can enjoy time together as a family, for as long as they have.
Visit Chislehurst is proud to be working with Demelza Hospice Care for Children on this year’s Pumpkin Hunt and hope to help raise thousands of pounds for this local worthwhile cause.
For all those who have bought a ticket for this year’s Pumpkin Hunt, we’d like to thank you for your support. You have all played an indirect part in helping children like Arlo. Your £5 from each ticket goes a long way to help children living with a terminal condition.
So, whilst you are enjoying this event on Friday, you can also know that all the profits will be helping hundreds of children across South East London, Kent and East Sussex.
THANK YOU!
Photo credit from Facebook Page: Arlo’s Army
