SOUTH WALES
Kyle's Goal - paediatric rehabilitation in Wales

Kyle Beere was a typically fit, healthy, intelligent and active twelve year old boy. On 14th November 2009 he asked to be taken to the accident and emergency unit at the University Hospital of Wales (UHW) in Cardiff, due to a severe headache and quickly slipped into unconsciousness. What was unknown at the time was that he was suffering a massive brain haemorrhage caused by a rare condition called Arteriovenous Malformations (AVM).

Over the following few weeks Kyle remained on life support in a coma and had undergone two major and two minor brain surgeries to remove the AVM and associated blood clots, along with a tracheostomy to stop him from suffocating. Just as it was suggested by the specialists that the time had come to switch off the machines keeping Kyle alive, he defied all the odds and his eyes started reacting to the tests being undertaken.

After this miracle, Kyle continued to progress every day but still could not talk or move his head and limbs. Everything that we take for granted like walking, talking, eating etc. has been taken away from Kyle by this cruel twist of fate. Kyle's family then thought that his rehabilitation would take place at either the UHW (which is the specialist neuro centre for Wales) or at the long established rehabilitation centre at nearby Rookwood Hospital. To their astonishment they were told that the new Children's hospital at UHW has not included nuerorehab in their facility and Rookwood hospital only accepts patients of 16 years or older. Furthermore, they were told that the NHS does not cater for the rehab of brain-injured children anywhere within Wales and the South West.

Kyle's family were told that the nearest suitable facility was at the Childrens Trust in Tadworth, Surrey (www.thechildrenstrust.org.uk), but this specialist facility is limited to 49 spaces. It is also 160 miles (three hours) away from Kyle's friends and family.

At present, if you live in Wales or the South West and have a child that acquires a brain injury by: ■ Being run over in a car crash ■ Falling off their bike or ■ Playground equipment brain haemorrhage ■ Suffocation ■ Heart of blood disorder ■ Stroke ■ Violence by others to name a few, then they will not get the care and rehabilitation that they deserve. This has to change. Until the Welsh Assembly Government set up a paediatric rehabilitation service in Wales, the cost implications for families required (and lucky enough to get a place) are very high and frequently prohibitive. It is for this reason that Kyle and others like him need your help. HOW YOU CAN HELP You can help organising fund-raising events in your locality. Previous events have ranged from charity fancy dress evenings in local pubs and clubs, charity sports days, jumble sales, sponsored walks and runs to direct donations. Organise an Event If you would like to organise an event to raise funds for Kyle's Goal, please contact us at support@kylesgoal.org.uk Make a Donation via PayPal If you would like to make a donation via PayPal, please click the button below. Donate via Cheque If you would like to make a donation via cheque, please contact support@kylesgoal.org.uk