Sick girl in appeal to swim with dolphins
A teenager from Wolverhampton suffering from a disease that has already claimed the life of her eight-year-old brother today launched a fundraising appeal to fulfil her lifetime ambition to swim with dolphins.
A teenager from Wolverhampton suffering from a disease that has already claimed the life of her eight-year-old brother today launched a fundraising appeal to fulfil her lifetime ambition to swim with dolphins.
Claire Bradnock suffers from Mitochondrial DNA Depletion Syndrome, a degenerative illness for which there is no cure.
She is the second person in her family to be diagnosed with the illness, which can cause epilepsy, severe lethargy, loss of balance, slurred speech, and poor mobility.
Her brother Callum died last year. And now Claire's parents Andrew and Dawn Lynch, from Wednesfield, have launched an appeal for £5,000 to grant Claire's wish of swimming with dolphins while she is still well enough to enjoy it.
A fundraising event will be held at Linden House, in Tettenhall Road, on October 29.
Mr Lynch, aged 54, said: "She wants a family holiday she can really remember and we want that as well.
"She doesn't just want something for herself but something the whole family can experience and that she can share with her younger brothers and sisters.
"We are not sure how we are going to do it but it is definitely an experience she wants to have so we will do all we can."
The City of Wolverhampton College lecturer, who teaches deaf studies and sign language, added that any extra money raised would be sent to Acorns Hospice, where Callum was treated.
MDS symptoms do not always become apparent until adulthood and Mr and Mrs Lynch, who are both deaf, said they were devastated when they first found out Claire also had MDS so soon after losing Callum.
But they are determined to give their daughter the best care and support they can as well as raising awareness of the disease.
"When we found out Claire had the condition too it was a big shock but we are all coping because we live with it every day," said Mr Lynch.
He added: "It is so important to raise awareness and share information just in case it affects anybody else."
The fundraising event, which will start at 7.30pm, will feature a raffle, a face- painter and juggler. For tickets call 01902 421919.
