Abta LifeLine has launched a new appeal to raise £20,000 to help seriously ill youngster Zach Blackburn.
Zach, seven, has a benign brain tumour, hydrocephalus and neurological disorders. He cannot speak and has to be fed through his stomach.
The appeal will raise money for a new bed for Zach plus specialist equipment and a respite break for him and his family.
In 2014, Abta LifeLine raised £10,000 to build a sensory room for Zach and last year paid for the family to go on a much-needed holiday. Mum Tricy Isherwood is a former Thomas Cook and Lunn Poly travel agent and is now Zach’s full-time carer.
Since the last appeal Zach’s condition has deteriorated. He is in constant pain, spends much time in hospital and needs round-the-clock care.
Abta LifeLine director Trudie Drake , speaking at the charity’s 2018 London dinner where TV presenter Anita Rani was guest speaker, said: “Zach’s parents are exhausted. It’s making life financially exceptionally hard and sadly there is no light at the end of the tunnel. Their debts are mounting. He needs a new bed and constant therapy. We would like to alleviate some of that financial stress.”
The night was attended by 106 people from the industry and raised a total of £14,450, including almost £12,000 from an auction.
During the event, Drake also urged more companies to joining the charity’s £1 per employee appeal.
Pictured at Abta LifeLine’s London fundraising dinner 2018 at The Royal Air Force Club is, left to right, Abta LifeLine director Trudie Drake; Abta LifeLine chairman Derek Jones; TV presenter Anita Rani; and Classic Collection head of marketing Vanda Bauer.
Donations can be made on Abta Lifeline’s JustGiving page