Thank you for all of your support. Those were the words from brave Brooke Lawrance at a party held to thank everyone who helped fund her life-changing operation in America.
Thank you for all of your support.
Those were the words from brave Brooke Lawrance at a party held to thank everyone who helped fund her life-changing operation in America.
The seven-year-old was diagnosed with cerebral palsy as a tot which left her wheelchair bound and unable to walk.
But last November she underwent a pioneering selective dorsal rhizotomy surgery at St Louis Children’s Hospital in Missouri, followed by a second orthopaedic operation on her heel chords just days later.
Her parents Peter and Sarah Lawrance, of Morland Road, Ipswich, organised a party at Henley Community Centre and beamed with pride as Brooke walked into the room with the help of her walker.
Mr Lawrance said: “We would like to thank each and everyone of you.
“There are simply no words that can scratch the surface for our gratitude to you.
“We invited you all because we wanted to say those words again and thank you for your support, time and donations for what could be changing Brooke’s life and putting her in a positive direction.
“We still have a lot of hard work but we know with you all behind us we can get there.”
The party was made even more special with the announcement that a building in Ipswich town centre is set to be named after Brooke.
The refurbished AXA building in Civic Drive will be officially unveiled as Brooke Lawrance House next month.
Elizabeth Drumm, from AXA, said: “We had a competition at the end of last year to find a new name.
“The main building is called Suffolk House and the other one is called Suffolk House Extension.
“We had originally chosen a name but it was rejected as another building had already got that name.
“As we had done fundraising for Brooke, who was become one of the main focuses for Ipswich, it was suggested that we call it Brooke Lawrance House.”
Mrs Lawrance said she was left speechless by the news.
“I can’t believe how nice everyone has been and how inspired people have been by Brooke,” she added. “We always thought she was fab but for other people to think that as well is just incredible.”
Brooke undergoes daily physiotherapy sessions at her home and weekly riding sessions to help strengthen her core muscles.
Since October 2011, more than £78,000 has been raised for Brooke’s surgery and continuing care, but more money is needed for her physiotherapy.
The whole family, including Brooke’s sisters, Nadine and Neve, and brother, Samuel, will be flying out to America for Brooke’s one-year check-up in November.
Are you raising money for a special cause? Email starnews@archant.co.uk
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