Help give Andy a comfortable room
Like most boys his age, Andy Speke loves nothing more than playing on his Xbox with his mates.
But the 12-year-old is in need of help.
He has lived with muscle wasting disease spinal muscular atrophy all his life, meaning he cannot walk and relies on a wheelchair and hoists to move around.
Now as his teenage years approach, he is outgrowing his specially adapted bedroom at his grandparents' home in Croydon Drive, Penkridge, making it harder for his close friends to relax, and play games in his room.
Grandmother Beverley, 59, and grandad, also called Andy, 55, want to erect a log cabin style retreat in their garden where their grandson can relax and enjoy the company of his friends in comfortable surroundings.
They previously had the house extended to accommodate Andy who has lived with them since he was three years-old, ruling out a further extension.
The couple estimate the cost of the cabin would be around £6,000 plus extra to kit it out.
"We have looked at selling up and moving house but we just cannot find anything suitable," said Mrs Speke.
"And at our age we just do not think trying to re-mortgage the house is possible - we are to old to start borrowing money, we doubt we would be lent any."
Mr and Mrs Speke are now appealing to Express & Star readers to help them create a fitting space for Andy.
"We had an article in the Express & Star which helped raise £15,000 for a special wheelchair when he was much younger. The response was amazing and we are hoping to appeal to people's goodwill.
"We hope there may be someone out there who can offer some skills such as a plasterer, or painter, or even some organisation that is willing to donate one of these cabins.
"Andy has lots of really good mates and has to have friends come over here because of the help he needs.
"He is an intelligent lad and I just think he deserves it. He needs our help."
If you think you can help, call Mr and Mrs Speke on 01785 713 787.
