Sponsor a Child Scheme Helping Poorly Child Gain Confidence

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A Steyning mum has spoken out about the social barriers that have been broken thanks to a sponsored scheme.

Sarah Scott’s three-year-old daughter Flossie is one of 21 children taking part in the KalliKids Sponsor a Child.

Through the project Flossie, who suffers from a rare genetic disorder called Acrodermatitis Enteropathica, attends swimming lessons for free with Wet Wet Wet.

Sarah said: “The lessons really help her as she loves them so much it takes the focus off the horrid things that she has to go through, such as, constant injections, blood tests and medication.  Swimming is something she looks forward to every week”

Acrodermatitis Enteropathica could be fatal without daily medication. The condition causes stomach and mouth ulcers, alopecia, chronic lesions and diarrhea. Prior to becoming a Sponsored Child, Flossie had a fear of men.

“I think Flossie associated men with hospitals as all of her doctors and consultants had been men. This generally made her upset around them,” said Sarah. “Thanks to her lessons, which are with a male teacher, this has changed. She looks forward to seeing him and interacts really well.” 

Sponsor a Child was launched by KalliKids, an accreditation service for families who need and want recommended services, in January this year.

It is enabling youngsters across Sussex, Surrey and Hampshire to learn a new skill for a year for free. The activities range from swimming and tennis to maths and drama.

KalliKids represents around 313 providers of children and family services and has more than 3000 parent members.  Each provider has been checked and recommended by parents before being accredited.

Sarah said: “Sponsor a Child is simply amazing. Flossie loves being in the water and her confidence has really grown. There isn’t much research done on her conditions, so we really don’t know what life holds for Floss, but for now this has brought Flossie a lot of pleasure.”