MJ sadly passed away aged 11 in October 2023, but throughout his life he smiled in the face of pain and adversity. He was strong, sweet, positive and determined and lit up every room he was in with his beautiful smile.
MJ was born in 2011 with quadriplegic cerebral palsy. This meant that he was unable to sit up unaided and was completely. His cerebral palsy affected his co-ordination, vision, ability to communicate and move his own body. This in turn lead to various health complications, including problems with his hips and spine and towards the end of his life, intestinal failure.
His parents Mel and Luke inspired so many people with their love and determination to support their son. Witnessing how they face challenges together, researched MJ’s condition and worked tirelessly to ensure their son had the best possible care, gave us huge inspiration and made it a pleasure to support them.
There was limited easy and fun activities available for them to do as a family, and so we did what we could do increase those opportunities. MJ was measured for and supplied with a specialist tricycle and buggy which gave them the chance to be outdoors together. Adaptations were made to their home in Aberdeen so that MJ had proper access, a bedroom and wet room suitable for his needs. We were also able to provide funding for MJ to attend therapy sessions at the Craighalbert Centre in Cumbernauld. The centre provides therapy and support for young people affected by cerebral palsy and motor impairments. MJ has had huge benefit from the sessions and as a family they met and shared experiences with other families who were in similar situations – something which was a big comfort. MJ will be forever missed, we will always remember his smile and be inspired by his memory.