Sadie Fenton Hunt, 10, has a rare case of epilepsy termed as West Syndrome which is a severe case of the illness characterized by infantile spasms and cognitive impairment. Statistically, five out of 100 children with this illness do not survive beyond five years old. This hinders her from understanding her surroundings and communicating with others. She ends up hurting herself so a padded bed for her to sleep on is utmost important.
The family lived in Northumberland before and Sadie's mother, Effie, 41, said that they had no problems requesting from their city council for a special bed for her daughter. When they moved in Chesser, Edinburgh, their request for a special bed was denied.
It is against her will to let her daughter sleep in a dog cage but she was left with no choice. Her daughter would wake up in the wee hours and starts to bang herself in walls that is why a padded bed where she will be safe is needed. The city council provided a bed but refused to provide a padded one.
The social services said that is it not safe to let Saddie sleep in a dog cage. However, the mother said they have no options left. She placed the dog cage on a mattress and padded the surroundings to prevent the girl from hurting herself.
According to the city council, the case of Saddie did not meet the criteria for them to provide her with a special bed. However, a quick response came from Newlife, a children's disability charity, for they provided Saddie with a temporary bed for her. They are working hand in hand with the girl's family to raise money to buy her a safer and sturdy bed for her case.
Safety and protection are utmost priorities in caring for children with West Syndrome. Providing a safe environment would prevent injuries to happen.
