Dan's story
Dan is a 13-year-old boy from Preston, who was full of life and ambition. He lived at home with his mum (Julie); dad (Nigel), a director for APL vehicle services; and his two sisters, Emily and Charlotte – until a medical diagnosis changed his life.
He was an active member of his local community, participating in both Cubs and Scouts, serving as a school council member, and volunteering at his local church. His interests ranged from sports to palaeontology, and he is a passionate Manchester City fan. He was very sociable and known by everyone locally.
In November 2022, after suffering with flu-like symptoms, Dan's life took a devastating turn when a CT scan showed a mass on his brain. He was blue lighted to Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital on 6th November 2022 and hasn’t returned home since. Dan was diagnosed with a low-grade glioma, a brain tumour located on his brainstem. Following emergency surgery, he suffered a stroke that left him with severe disabilities, including the need for 24-hour care, non-invasive ventilation at night, assistance with all daily activities and being fed via a naso-gastric tube.
Dan can see, hear, identify people and smiles when he is happy, but he is non-verbal so struggles to communicate. He is unable to sit independently and needs a special chair and wheelchair.
He has now finished 70 weeks of chemotherapy. Over recent months, the family have seen small improvements, which is more than they could have hoped for given a very guarded prognosis by his medical team.
Dan remains in hospital, requiring extensive medical support. His family is determined to bring him home, but their current home is too small and unsuitable for his complex needs. The house needs significant adaptations, including:
- A private, accessible bedroom for Dan
- An adapted bathroom
- Facilities for 24-hour care
- A space for social interaction with family and friends.
The estimated cost for these adaptations is out of the family's reach. They have recently been accepted to appear on the popular TV programme, DIY SOS, which will help with some of the work, but it won’t cover it all.
How you can help
The episode of DIY SOS featuring the family and their home in Preston is being filmed from 16th July – and they are looking for tradespeople, volunteers (for activities like decorating) and suppliers of materials. To offer services or to volunteer, email DIYSOSPreston@southshore.uk.
To support the family so they can complete the adaptations required to bring Dan home, visit: https://www.gofundme.com/f/DanielFlemen
Your support can help reunite Dan with his family in a home where he can continue his recovery and enjoy a better quality of life. Every contribution, whether financial or through volunteering, brings them one step closer to bringing Dan home.
Here for you
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