We are Beams launched an appeal in 2018 to generate funding to complete a garden makeover for a lovely local family and members of the We Are Beams charity based in Hextable.
The Crockford’s garden was not accessible for the family and was full of broken concrete slabs, rubbish and all fencing was in need of repair.
The two children have been diagnosed with a range of disabilities, so were unable to enjoy any outside activity at home as it was not safe for them.
“Xander aged 8 has severe/profound bilateral sensorineural hearing loss, astigmatism and ASD”
Rowan aged 6 has cortical malformation and band heterotopias in his brain, left sided hemiplegia, hypotonia, severe global developmental delay and cortical visual impairment. He has just been diagnosed with a tubulinopathy – a mutation in the gene ‘Tubulin B2B’.
Funding was provided by The Rooney Foundation via grant-maker Kent Community Foundation and along with an appeal by the Crockford family and We are Beams meant that by the end of 2019 we had reached the target for the new garden makeover. Then along came COVID-19.
The garden is finally complete thanks also to local business owner Ricky Wilson from Carrick Landscapes who pulled out all the stops to get the garden finished while the sun is still shining, and is now making a huge difference to family life.
Kate and George Crockford said “People have shown so much kindness and have been so generous with helping us. This transformation will make a huge difference to our family life and all the stresses of having two children with a range disabilities.” Katrina Adams said “We apply from time to time for individual grants to families in need and the Crockford Family are very deserving of this garden makeover. Thank you to Kent Community Foundation for putting us in touch with the funder. This really was a huge act of kindness at a time when we need happy news”
Kent Community Foundation said “We are very pleased to support the Crockford family through funding and play a part in creating this lovely outdoor space for Xander and Rowan to enjoy. Kent Community Foundation awarded £3,500 to the family from The Rooney Foundation fund, thanks to a nomination from We Are Beams. We would love to hear from more charities and organisations who would like to put forward families with children who have physical disabilities, long term illnesses and/or life limiting conditions.”
To apply for funding visit www.kentcf.org.uk/apply
