Jemima Syvret is 5 years old, a sociable little girl from Otterbourne with a wicked sense of humour. She has overcome many health issues in her life and is lucky to still be alive. She now needs lots of support to continue her journey towards an independent life as she takes on Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy.
Jemima was born prematurely at 29 weeks. She had a traumatic and complicated birth, and suffered a brain injury. For the first few months she fought for her life in Winchester Special Care Baby Unit. pulling through a heart and lung defect, stomach surgery and many infections. However when she was 9 months old she was diagnosed with spastic quadriplegia, a form of cerebral palsy.
This means that her muscles are too tight and she finds it hard to move. Over the past 5 years, she has learnt to sit crossed legged on the floor, move on her tummy on the floor and can take a few steps in a walking frame. She needs assistance with all other mobility. Jemima now really wants to be more mobile so she can keep up with her friends and her brothers. She is her own little person and wants some independence from her carers.
Jemima's mum, Jo, said: "A little 5 year old girl in Otterbourne, needs help from the local community. Jemima has cerebral palsy and has been accepted for life changing surgery in the U.S. but she needs lot of support with fundraising to make this once in a lifetime opportunity a reality.
"Post surgery Jemima will have the chance to be independent in many ways and to keep up with her friends. Please help her on her journey by visiting http://www.jemimasjourney.co.uk/. Every little step counts!"
Pictured; Jemima meets Olympic legend Sir Steve Redgrave