Courageous teenager born addicted to heroin who loves rock climbing and canoeing appeals for new electric wheelchair

A campaign has been launched to raise £12,000 to buy an electric wheelchair to help Sefton Child Of Courage winner Dylan Roberts to be able to enjoy life.

Dylan, who won the award at the:- 'Grand Pride Of Sefton Awards,' at The Grand, in Southport, back in 2024, has a series of serious health conditions after being born addicted to heroin.

Despite the Southport teenager's long and complex medical history, he "always has a smile" and loves spending time with his friends, as well as taking part in activities such as rock climbing, canoeing and abseiling.

Unfortunately, the lack of an electric wheelchair is holding him back from being able to do things he enjoys.

His Mum, Karen Roberts, has launched a fundraising campaign to secure £12,000 to give him some freedom.

You can donate on:- GoFundMe.Com.

Karen said:- "Dylan is turning 18 soon and needs an electric wheelchair to help him enjoy life more comfortably. He has complex health needs and his current chair is getting harder for me to push. This gift would mean the world to him! Please consider donating or sharing our fundraiser. I'd be so grateful for any support! please if you can't donate please share I have hundreds of friends on Facebook if you all share just once it would flood Facebook. Dylan was born addicted to heroin and was diagnosed with cerebral palsy soon after. has been diagnosed with cerebral palsy, global development delay, cortical blindness, epilepsy, scoliosis and breathing issues to name a few. Dylan has had various operations and hospital stays in his life already having had surgery in 2024. I met Dylan at 10 months old and fell in love with him, adopting him when he was 3. Dylan has lots of complex health needs and a full-time wheelchair user which has to carry medical equipment such as oxygen, a suction machine, nebuliser etc which makes it heavy to push. Dylan loves more than anything to be out in the community having fun and he is getting heavier to push. Despite this Dylan always has a smile and a laugh with everyone and is loved by many. He enjoys School and his friends, he likes going to Royal Rangers, Prospects and loves going to church. He loves activities that include rock climbing, canoeing, abseiling etc. He genuinely is a child of courage who has been through so much, but still smiles and makes people around him smile. Please help us get the best 18th present for him - an electric wheelchair."

"I would like to say hello and formally introduce myself. My name is Mary, and I'm taking over from Karen in organising the flea markets. I have been a regular attendee at Old Christchurch events over the last:- 10 to 15 years, and started lending a hand at the flea markets last year after we moved to a house nearby. I recognise the importance of Old Christchurch, both as:- a historical landmark and as a community venue, and I am honoured to be able to be a part of supporting that. If you are interested in helping out with the flea markets, or any of our other events, then please get in touch. There are plenty of volunteer opportunities, both on the days of events, and in the days leading up to them, and all help is greatly appreciated. We also still have a few tables left for our next market on:- 14 June 2025, from:- 10am to 1pm. Maybe you've recently had a clear out, or are planning on doing so in the next few weeks. This next market is our last one before the summer break, so if you have some pre-loved items to sell, then please email:- WaterlooFleaMarket@gMail.Com to get booked in. Tables cost:- £10.00 each. We would love you to join us! Attached you will find a flyer listing all the flea market dates for 2025. Please feel free to share this on your social media, and with anyone else who may be interested. All publicity assists with increasing footfall at our events and awareness of this incredible venue, which ultimately helps us to continue to maintain and improve it. I look forward to seeing you on:- 14 June 2025, from:- 10am to 1pm. Come along, grab a bargain, have a cuppa and a bacon butty or a cake, and be a part of supporting Old Christ Church and the local community. See you there!" Mary Dowrick.