Skydive raises over £5,000 for Melksham toddler

FAMILY and friends of Melksham boy, Liam Collins, took to the skies  to raise money for much- needed home improvements for Liam who is disabled. 

Five-year-old Liam has X-linked Ectodermal Dysplasia, a rare genetic disorder that reduces a person’s ability to sweat.

He has multiple disabilities which affect his learning and development. He  is also severely sight impaired, is non-verbal, has to be fed by a feeding tube and has epilepsy.

Last year, Kylie Bewley  who is a close friend of Liam’s mum Julie, started a campaign to try and raise £10,000 which would allow for a downstairs bedroom and wet room to be built in his home.

Kylie said, “The changes to the house would make such a huge difference to Liam’s life and the rest of the family. I know how much it means to all of them, so I want to raise as much as possible.”

Family and friends wanted to get involved with the fundraising so decided to take part in a skydive. So far, the skydive alone has raised over £5,000.

Kylie, who organised the skydive and took part said, “I’m totally over the moon. I hoped we would do well, but didn’t expect this.

“I was petrified of taking part but I knew I couldn’t let my friends down and it turned out to be an awesome experience.

“I’d like to thank Jamie Pyle, Shane Miller, Graham Griffiths (Griff), John Farrell, Rhys Brine (on behalf of mum Kelly), Lorna Carroll, Kimberly Tagman, Debbi Reader, Theresa England, Penelope Wyper and Ron Pike aged 79, for all taking part and helping to raise this amazing amount of money.

“Liam’s family would like to say a massive thanks to all who took part and sponsored. They really have gone above and beyond with their fundraising efforts.”

Julie, Liam’s mum said, “Having the changes made to the house would make an unbelievable difference. We have a serious lack of space at the moment and getting Liam in and out of his bed is difficult.

“Having his own room would be fantastic, sharing with his brother is a challenge. Because he has Ectodermal Dysplasia, he can’t get too warm, so even in the winter we can’t have the radiator on in his room, which is unfair on his brother.

“Having his bedroom and a wet room on the ground floor will be a big help because having to carry him up and down the stairs is becoming very difficult the older he gets. It means so much to us as a family to have all this sorted for him.”

You can still donate by visiting  www.gofundme.com/wn54uu6k  or https://dm2.gofund.me/mv74gas8