Appeal to fund head treatment for Jamie (From Evesham Journal)

Appeal to fund head treatment for Jamie

11:58am Thursday 22nd February 2007 in News By Steve Mather

A YOUNG Vale mother has launched an appeal to help get treatment for her toddler son who was born with a rare skull defect.

Jamie Hillyard, aged 14 months, was diagnosed with severe deformational plagiocephaly last year.

This means that he has a flattened skull at the side and back of his head, which requires urgent treatment in order to correct.

His mum Emma is taking Jamie to a clinic in Cardiff on March 8, so that he can be fitted with a helmet that will help his skull grow to a more symmetrical and definite shape over the next year.

Emma said: "Jamie was born six weeks prematurely and I noticed when he was still very young that one of sides of his head was flat. I was told originally to wait until he was one and that it would correct itself and grow back.

"But I kept mentioning it to my doctor and as a result we went for treatment. The good news is that it is thoroughly correctable, as long as he wears a helmet for at least eight or nine months."

Emma was referred to an NHS paediatrician at Evesham Hospital but was told that the cost of treatment would not be met by the NHS as the condition was cosmetic and it would not affect his brain development.

So Emma, a student at Evesham College, now has to find around £2,000 in order to allow Jamie to have this treatment. She is being helped by friends and Worcester childrens store Hey Baby is holding a fundraising event for her.

Emma said: "I'm not very happy that Jamie will have to wear the helmet, what mother would be?

"I'm concerned that he won't get on with it, but having spoken to other mums in the same situation I'm confident it will work and there won't be too many problems."

People who can help Emma raise the money can contact her on emmajanehillyard@ yahoo.co.uk