THE ‘world's happiest boy’ from Orford is smiling again after receiving a ‘life-changing’ pushchair.
Alfie Penn was born with a series of medical conditions, including epilepsy, which means he can’t speak and is prone to seizures.
The two-year-old also bangs his head when he is agitated and his mum, Rachael Penn, was advised he needed a specialist padded pushchair.
In desperation, Rachael applied to the Steve Morgan Foundation Enable Fund, based in Chester, and has just received the specialist pushchair –worth £700.
Rachael said: “It is just amazing.
“We can take him on days out and he’s no longer restricted.
“It has literally turned his life around and I can’t thank the Steve Morgan Foundation enough.
“Despite his conditions Alfie is the happiest, sweetest little boy in the world and has so much determination.
“He has lots of curly hair and brightens up the room just by being in it.
“The new pushchair has given him a new lease of life.”
Rachael said she was aware there was a problem with Alfie as soon as he was born.
She added: “Everything was delayed.
“Alfie was blind until he was six months old.
“At nine months he stopped breathing at home after a seizure and was rushed to hospital where he was diagnosed with a condition called mesial temporal sclerosis.
“In simple terms mesial temporal sclerosis meant Alfie’s brain didn’t fuse properly and it’s impacted on his development and learning ability.”
The youngster has also been diagnosed with sensory processing disorder, global development delay, social and emotional communication disorder, seizures and has sleeping issues.
Steve Morgan CBE, who founded the Steve Morgan Foundation in 2001, said: “We’re delighted to have been able to help Alfie and see the difference it’s already made to his life.”
The foundation’s Enable Fund supports people of all ages in financial hardship, who are in need of specialised equipment, including mobility aids, wheelchairs, buggies, wheelchairs and trikes.
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