Community Link Foundation helps young boy with grant for specialist buggy

Community Link Foundation has stepped in to help a Southport family by providing funding for a specialist pram for a young boy who has complex medical needs caused by a rare genetic condition.

Five year old Luke Porter has a mutation of the TLK2 gene, which results in developmental delays, autistic behaviours, and significant physical challenges. He has over pronation of the ankles, which causes him to walk on the inside of his feet, placing strain on his knees and hips. This means he tires extremely easily and can only manage a few yards before becoming weak and lethargic, often falling as a result.

Despite his difficulties, Luke was recently declined a wheelchair from NHS wheelchair services, leaving his mum Kirsty without a viable solution to help him get around.

“After being refused a wheelchair through wheelchair services, we had no choice but to find funding for a specialist pram,” said Kirsty. “Community Link Foundation have been amazing and helped us to fund one. Without it, we’d be unable to go anywhere. I’d have to carry him, which just isn’t practical or safe.”

Thanks to the grant from Community Link Foundation, Luke now has access to a specially designed buggy that offers him the support and comfort he needs. The pram means that Luke can now join in family outings, go on school trips, and enjoy being outside with his brothers.

Without this essential piece of equipment, the family faced being isolated at home, with Luke potentially missing out on school altogether due to the difficulties he has walking any distance.

Enda Rylands, chair of Community Link Foundation said: “We’re proud to be able to support Luke and his family. Every child deserves the chance to be part of their community, to go on adventures and to attend school comfortably and safely. We’re so pleased that this specialist buggy will make such a big difference to Luke’s life.”

Community Link Foundation continues to support individuals and organisations across Southport, Formby and Ormskirk, funding projects that have a real and lasting impact on people’s lives.