A Westgate family will be having two Christmases this year and are appealing for people to help them by sending cards.
Georgina and Wayne Olsen will hold the festive celebrations on June 16 as part of their plan to pack as much as possible into eldest son Connor’s life.
Connor, 8, was diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy in March 2013. DMD is a muscle wasting disease that means Connor will be in a full-time power wheelchair by around 10 years old. The condition, which is caused by a gene defect, means a life expectancy of about 20 years.
Connor is unaware of his illness and his parents are aiming to keep that as the case so the youngster can enjoy life as much as possible.
The couple are appealing for Thanet people to help them give the family an extra Christmas by sending cards to Connor and his younger brother Kye.
They are being helped in their quest by Jungle Jims at Quex. The family’s charity Caring for Connor, which raises money for adaptions and equipment to help the St Saviour’s pupil and aims to raise awareness of DMD, holds an annual fun day at Quex each year.
This year the event will be on July 22 and former Britain’s Got Talent stars Stavros Flatley will be returning.
The Greek dancing duo were a hit at last year’s event, which also included a dog show, funfair and stalls.
Georgina said: “We are going to have another Christmas on June 16 because we can and life is too short with Duchenne. We will be collecting Christmas cards so please feel free to send our boys one and support us if you’ve got time. They will be much appreciated.”
Jungle Jims will take delivery of the cards. Post to The Olsen Boys, Jungle Jims, Quex Park, Birchington, Kent, CT7 0BH.
Spaces for stall holders are going fast at the annual fun day. For details, or to donate raffle prizes, email [email protected]
*The family are also off to see Craig David and Rita Ora at the Kent Events Centre this August. Issues over seating in the area for those who are mobility limited have now been solved with the help of Birchington councillor Suzanne Brimm. She also managed to secure an extra ticket with help from Luke Drummond of The Liz Hobbs Group.
Find out more about the Caring for Connor campaign here.