Making memories with my son

Hi my name is James and I’m looking for help to make a very special memory with my son.

Here’s our story:

My 6 year old son has a genetic condition called Joubert syndrome which is a life limiting condition that affects the brain, he is non mobile, non verbal, has special needs and requires round the clock care.

On the 19th November 2022 my son suffered a cardiac arrest and after performing CPR I managed to bring him back before the paramedics arrived and he was taken to hospital. He was then transferred to The Evelina in London and then to St George’s where he spent over a month on a ventilator, numerous tests were carried out and it started to become apparent that the hospital couldn’t do any more for him as the lack of oxygen to the brain from the cardiac arrest had caused new brain damage, so after some very long discussions and heartbreaking decisions, it was decided that he would be moved to a hospice for palliative/end of life care where we could make some lovely memories with him to cherish forever.

My reason for this post is because I have a chance to make my ultimate dream come true, my sons name is Gibson, it was a name said jokingly at first but it stuck and suites him brilliantly, I’ve always wanted a Gibson and I finally had one of my very own! But I have also always wanted to buy a real Gibson guitar and put his handprints on it as my ultimate memory so I could have a part of him with me as music is my passion. I had messaged Gibson Guitars in America directly over Christmas asking if they could help and to my absolute surprise they very kindly gifted me a Gibson guitar to make this dream come true as they where truly moved by my story.

The major problem I am now facing is that it is being held by the carrier as I have to pay customs duties that total £951.85 and I just can’t afford this and if I can’t get the money together soon then this dream and lasting memory could slip away at any time so I’m asking for help to raise the money to get the guitar from the carrier and create something that I can cherish forever, any extra money raised above my target will be donated directly to the Shooting Star Chase Hospice who have been caring for my son and supporting our family.

Any help would be greatly appreciated and I thank you for taking time to read our story.

James & Gibson x