Shrewsbury Town would like to share the story of Cleo Gibbons on National Lissencephaly Day.
The two-year-old, who is the cousin of the Salop under-nines player Archer Gibbons, was diagnosed with the brain disorder when she was just seven months old.
Lissencephaly means “smooth brain,” and is a rare disorder that affects about one in 100,000 babies.
Symptoms can vary, but include seizures, difficulty swallowing, muscle spasms and developmental delays. It is also life-limiting.
This diagnosis means Cleo’s family do not know if she will be able to do things such as sit up, crawl, walk or talk.
In order to support Cleo as best she can, her mum Michaella has launched a fundraising campaign to buy equipment that will enhance her daughter’s life.
Michaella said: “Cleo is the most incredible little baby and thrives everyday.
“I am in awe of her strength and as I am her only voice, I will do my all for her to make sure she gets everything she possibly can to make her life that little bit easier.
“Due to her condition, she needs a lot of therapies and equipment at home and out and about.
“We very luckily get some equipment through our medical teams but we only get ‘necessities’ not necessarily what would be a bit of joy or comfort for Cleo.
“Anything like that we have to get ourselves which of course comes at a large cost.
“The first main thing we need is a ‘stingray R82’ pram which is extremely modified and perfect for Cleo.”
Cleo’s family have currently raised around £6,000 of their £10,000 target.
To donate and read more about Cleo’s story click HERE.
