Make Home & Community Accessible for Bram

Bram's Story

On 4th June 2021, Bram made an early and unexpected arrival for parents Donna & Will. Joining us 6 weeks early, a whirlwind and challenging few months ensued as Bram had a very rare Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis stroke which occurs in only 1 in 2.5 million people. Following this stroke, Bram struggled through significant seizures and illness, ultimately to be diagnosed with quadriplegic spastic cerebral palsy of the most life-limiting kind. After a long summer confined to the intensive care unit and made even more confined by the restrictions of Covid-19, Bram was able to come home to much love and excitement. Then began the process of getting to grips with a new way of being and doing.

Amazing support from teams at Cork University Hospital and charities such as Jack & Jill, Horizons, and Crann Cork in the first three years of Bram's life have allowed Bram to thrive as he was fitted for his first wheelchair, eye-gaze equipment for communication and has received ongoing physiotherapy, and other therapies such as speech and language and nutrition.

However, as Bram grows (he's become a very tall boy!), his needs are changing and resources needed now will also serve him for the rest of his life. Bram is a happy, determined little man, brings such joy to all those who meet him and continues to astound us day-to-day however, Bram will not have the ability to live life independently as he is unable to sit unaided due to a weak core, walk, communicate verbally or feed himself and therefore will be fully reliant on the support of his parents and wider family unit.

Bram at a few days old

Bram's Needs

As a result, some very significant modifications are required to his home and a specifically adapted vehicle is also needed to ensure Bram can safely attend appointments and enjoy getting out for his wheelchair strolls with his 5-year old sister Marlowe.

A through-floor lift is required to Bram's home to allow him to move from the downstairs living area to his bedroom and therapy space upstairs. This will require a structural change at the back of the house. Unfortunately, grant assistance is not sufficient to meet the full cost of this construction and installation. As a stairlift is not an option given Bram's specific category of cerebral palsy, a through-floor lift is the only option.

Additionally, a specifically adapted vehicle is required as Bram has now outgrown his car seat and requires a vehicle with ramp access and which can secure his wheelchair. Car journeys can be quite traumatic for Bram from time to time. A vehicle with more space will make getting to his multiple weekly appointments more comfortable and safe.

Bram and his big sister Marlowe!

How You Can Help

Like many families who care for a child with a disability, financial assistance through grant-aid and government supports is minimal or non-existent. Providing a child with the resources needed for them to fully realise their potential and enjoy life comes with a huge financial burden. We are asking for your kind support to help us make home and community more accessible for Bram.

Over April, May & June, family and friends will undertake a number of challenges and fundraising activities. We would be forever grateful if you could donate to support these efforts. A donation, no matter how small, is hugely welcome. You will have played an immeasurable part in helping to make the world a little more accessible for this amazing boy.

Over the coming weeks, we will provide more details on fundraising activities. Below are the events family and friends will participate in to raise funds.



We will be keeping you up to date on progress over the next few weeks and months. Thank you so much for your support - we really appreciate it!

Bram and family x