An appeal has been launched to provide a 14-year-old with a life-limiting neurological condition with his wish of an indie rock party.
Alfie Lund, who was one of the first children in the UK to be diagnosed with a rare neurological condition known as MECP2 duplication syndrome, is one of 54 children in the North West of England who are living with a critical condition and waiting for their wishes to come true.
And now, the charity, Make A Wish UK, are appealing for help by asking indie rock bands to show their support and play at a party for him.
Alfie's mum, Rachel Lund said: "Alfie’s birthday is in January but, because his condition makes him very susceptible to chest infections in winter, he's never had a proper birthday party.
"To have a big party with indie rock music, surrounded by people he loves, would mean the world to Alfie and make up for all the birthday parties he’s missed.
"Alfie has missed out on much of the joy of childhood, having been diagnosed with MECP2 duplication syndrome aged four.
"At the time he was only the seventh child in the UK to have ever been diagnosed with the condition, which is now thought to affect fewer than 40 children across the country.
"It’s a rare, genetic, progressive neurological condition. It affects him in every way.
"He can’t walk or talk, he has multiple complex seizures, and he’s been hospitalised more times than I can remember.
"Music is one of the most important things in Alfie’s life – he's quite the indie rocker and likes bands like Arctic Monkeys and Oasis.
"It makes him move about and get excited."
Alfie, from Ormskirk, was referred to Make-A-Wish UK in February 2020, but the Covid-19 pandemic caused a 40 per cent drop in income for the wish-granting charity with hundreds of wishes postponed indefinitely.
The charity now hopes to grant Alfie’s wish as soon as possible, and this week put out an appeal for indie rock bands to play at the party.
Director of income and engagement at Make-A-Wish UK, Stephanie Witt, said: ‘We’ve been incredibly moved by the support of musicians, bands and music-lovers since sharing Alfie’s wish online.
"Our initial tweet has been seen more than 74,000 times, with offers from Matilda Shakes, Skylights, The Kairos and many more to help make Alfie’s wish come true.
"However, Alfie is just one of 54 children across the North West who are currently waiting for their wish.
"With each wish costing around £2,500, we urgently need to raise £135,000 to grant wishes in the North West alone.
"Critically ill children and their families have waited long enough."
Alfie’s family are now appealing for public support for Make-A-Wish UK, encouraging anyone who is able to donate to the charity.
With another 449 wishes waiting across the rest of the UK, Make-A-Wish UK hope to raise a total of £1.25million by World Wish Day on April 29.
Mrs Lund continued: "His wish will be an amazing experience, which he really deserves after all he’s been through.
"Whenever I’m struggling, I look at Alfie and think - ‘well, if he can get on with it and smile, then so can I.’’
To donate to Make-A-Wish UK and help grant a wish for children like Alfie, in the North West and beyond, please visit www.make-a-wish.org.uk/north-west
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