Mum commutes 92km everyday so her son can get best support from Roscrea special school

The mother of a seven-year-old boy who requires help with most of his needs has lauded a school in Roscrea attended by her son.

So impressed are Siobhan Ryan and her husband Declan Mannion with the care provided by Saint Anne's Special School to their youngest son, Jamie, that they have decided to donate to the school a percentage of funds from a fundraising campaign they have just started aimed at improving Jamie's overall quality of life.

Siobhan said she and her husband noticed that Jamie was not reaching his potential when he was about five months old.

“We have seen every type of doctor possible, and had many psychology visits,” Siobhan revealed. “While we have yet to receive a full diagnosis of Jamie, he has a severe intellectual disability.”

Jamie currently has the development level of a 10 to 12 month old baby and he was diagnosed with focal epilepsy a year ago. His condition necessitates expensive supplements and important dietary intervention.

Said Siobhan: “We have worked really hard to help Jamie to date. He is progressing slowly and can pull himself to stand, aided, and is still doing lots of crawling and some climbing too.

“He is also non-verbal and he needs prolonged intervention to help him find his voice, be it verbal or through the use of a device.”

The family live in Portlaoise, but Siobhan says the service is so good in Saint Anne's Special School that she is more than willing to undertake the 92km round trip to and from the school each day.

“We are so lucky to have a school that can cater for what Jamie needs, like their swimming pool and huge gym an other great facilities,” she said.

Siobhan and Declan are hoping to raise enough funds to bring their little boy to the US for intensive treatment to help him learn to walk.

“We have no idea what the future holds for our bright eyed, curly haired little boy, but we are prepared to do everything possible to help him reach his potential,” said Siobhan.

As part of their fundraising, Jamie's parents say they want to give a percentage of the fund generated to both the Roscrea school and the Jack and Jill Foundation as a mark of appreciation for all they have done for Jamie.

Siobhan described Saint Anne's as “a fabulous school”.

“Saint Anne's in Roscrea not only supports Jamie but also us as a family,” she said.

A GoFundMe page to help Jamie was set up recently with a target of reaching €50,000, and already almost €18,000 has been pledged.

“People have been so kind and the messages of support from people have been unbelieveale,” says Siobhan.

 

HOW TO CONTRIBUTE

To contribute see the fund go to: https://www.gofundme.com/f/jamie-wants-to-walk