Never short of a smile

EVERY day of Ashley Lewis' eight years has been a struggle against his severe disabilities, but the Newport youngster is never short of a smile. Born three months prematurely by emergency caesarean section, Ashley weighed just 1lb 6oz, making the first few days of his life a fight for survival.

He was left with severe disabilities, which affect every aspect of his life with mental and physical handicaps, hearing difficulties, epilepsy and speech problems.

Doctors have been unable to pinpoint Ashley's exact condition, but believe his is suffering from a rare syndrome.

Ashley's family, who live in St Julians, Newport, are hoping to buy him a lightweight wheelchair to give the youngster the independence he craves, and are appealing for help from the Help a South Wales Child appeal.

Ashley, aged eight, was nominated for the award by his grandmother, Janet Thomas, aged 58, of Constable Drive, Newport, who said: "Life was not a certainty for Ashley and he has battled every day of his short life. But he is a most deserving child, never short of a smile.

"With increased age, Ashley is becoming more aware that he is different and is finding his limitations more difficult to cope with.

"The gift of a wheelchair would allow him to overcome the restraints of his physical disability, giving him the freedom of movement and ultimately an improved quality of life.

"He is such a lovely little boy, but he is getting to the age now, especially when the summer is coming, when he wants to go outside and play. He wants to do everything the other normal children do."

Ashley is a pupil at Maes Ebbw School in Newport, where is learning to walk with the aid of a frame.

"He is getting better at that," said Mrs Thomas, "but it leaves him feeling so tired. "If he could have a lightweight wheelchair then he could go outside with the children."