Dinky Doris family fun day raises cash for therapy for two-year-old

The Bufton family from Locks Heath held a family fun day on Sunday where everyone was welcome in order to raise money for specialised treatment for Dinky Doris who was diagnosed with a rare brain disorder, lissencephaly, which is also known as smooth brain disorder.

When Doris Bufton, two, was born six weeks early, her parents, Alexandra and Kris Bufton, were warned of the possible health implications for their bundle of joy.

After months of investigating her condition, it was confirmed that she had lissencephaly, which is a rare life-limiting condition and her family have been relentlessly searching for ways to improve her quality of life.

Alexandra found a specialised treatment called ABR therapy, which could increase her life expectancy but is not available on the NHS.

The treatment costs more than £5,000 a year and they are hoping to start Doris on the therapy next month, which meant they needed to find the funds to put her through it.

Alexandra and Kris organised a family fun day at the Abshot Community Centre, which offered the venue free of charge, to help raise money for the treatment.

Alexandra said: ‘It is just incredible. We were hoping for somewhere between £500 and £800 but this has blown us away. People are so generous but more than that, it was just lovely to bring everyone together.’

The event saw a number of free stalls and entertainment for the family to get involved in, including Jiggly Wrigglers, Steppin Up Dance squad, the Enchanted Bubble Witch, Sensory Superstars and live music.

The event raised a phenomenal £3,667 which will cover the first part of Doris’ therapy in October.

Alexandra added: ‘It is literally life-changing for Doris. This means that basically her first block of sessions therapy is completely covered and we have nearly got the money for the next session too.’

Doris will start her sessions in Sheffield at the end of next month, where she will be accompanied by Alexandra and Kris.

Alexandra said the therapy will teach her how to do it on Doris so they can ‘bring it home and do it together which will be much more beneficial for her.’