Fred

Fred is an 18-year-old boy with a large mass within his upper trunk/spine, which has caused subsequent disability and deformity. He has had numerous investigations (to rule out TB etc), but the exact nature of the mass is still unknown. The mass has resulted in paralysis from the waist down; Fred cannot feel or move his legs and subsequently, he is unable to walk.

Fred has a wheelchair, which he uses for getting to and from school and for moving any significant distance, but he also uses his incredible upper body strength to move himself around on his hands for shorter distances.

Fred is the oldest male in his family, his father left his mother, therefore has a lot of responsibility on his shoulders; he has a number of younger siblings to care for. Fred presently attends school where he is doing very well. However, he also has a talent for mending and repairing shoes. This is something he does during the school holidays, but also occasionally during the school terms to make an extra income for himself and his family.

The Spring of Hope team are currently trying to ensure that Fred has the materials and equipment to be able to do this during the Christmas break this year, spring of Hope is currently trying to help find Fred a sponsor so that in January he is able to go to school.