News and Events
Joe G's surprise 18th birthday party
Value to Joe...............unimaginable surprise and pleasure.
Joe G. of Ilford, Essex suffers from multiple problems including Kinefelter's syndrome, KBG syndrome, a leaking heart valve and has severe learning difficulties. We were approached in March by a Social Worker seeking our assistance in providing £50.00 to fund the cost of releasing Joe's medical records by a leading London Children's Hospital. Unfortunately, Joe's mum had mislaid them during a recent move of house and she simply could not afford to pay.
We only provide equipment and were therefore unable to fund the cost, so we decided to write to the hospital asking for their help. They generously agreed to waive the cost and freely provide Joe's medical records in the circumstances.
We received a most heart-warming telephone call of thanks from Joe's devoted Mum. Her appreciation was overwhelming and she began telling us all about Joe and his severe medical problems and the toll it had also been taking on her own health. During the conversation Mrs G. told us that Joe's birthday was in June and that his birthday wish was for his Mum to take him to Harrods, quote, "to buy a loaf of bread and to look at the watches and jewellery". We were so touched by Joe's case that we wrote to the then owner of Harrods, Mr Mohammed Al-Fayed and told him Joe's story and asked whether he could help in any way by providing some sort of surprise for Joe on the day. Mr Al-Fayed's office replied immediately and most generously agreed to donate a surprise birthday party for Joe and his family and guests at Harrods restaurant Mo's Diner, together with a goody bag and birthday cake for Joe.
Joe had the time of his life and a great time was had by all. The pictures show Joe and his party, which included his Mum Carol, brother George, Dora and Sue, Joe's two support workers and Joe's teacher Bernie, from Newbridge SEN School in Essex.
Our Chairman, Roger Adelman also popped in to meet Joe and his party and to wish Joe a happy birthday.
Many thanks to Mr Al-Fayed for his generosity and for helping to make Joe's birthday a very happy one indeed and one that he will never forget!
