Headteacher 'overwhelmed' by donations for Telford pupil Matthew

Julie Henry, of Wrockwardine Wood Junior School in Telford, said she did not expect the response the school has had to the fund.

She said hundreds of people have offered their services to help adapt the 11-year-old's Trench home so he can leave Birmingham Children's Hospital.

Matthew was diagnosed with brain and spinal cancer last summer and has been in hospital ever since.

From builders offering their services to people offering to make tea and coffee, the community has pulled together to do their best to help the youngster.

Mrs Henry said: "We are completely overwhelmed by the response we have had from not only parents and staff but strangers.

"We set up the page after DIY SOS turned us down, despite us sending hundreds of letters to the show.

"Rather than letting that get us down, we set up the Wrockwardine Wood Junior School SOS fund, and it has just exploded.

"It went on social media last weekend and people have just come from all over to offer their support, help or money.

"I really don't know what to say, it is amazing, everyone has been amazing."

Mrs Henry added: "Builders, architects, you name it have come forward to offer their help.

"We even have people offering to make tea and coffee, and even cakes for the volunteers.

"So no matter what your skill is, please volunteer as it can make a huge difference."

"At the moment we have a spreadsheet of all the people offering their skills and I can't say how many but it has to be hundreds.

"The pupils and parents have been amazing as well, and the staff have also worked hard.

"Lots of cheques have also come into the school, some for £100 and some for £5 but every little helps."

So far the Bring Matthew Home Fund has raised more than £11,000.

Matthew has been at the hospital since August when he was diagnosed with brain and spinal cancer.

The brave youngster underwent surgery to remove tumours, but suffered strokes following the operation.

The strokes have left Matthew paralysed and he needs a wheelchair to move about.

This would mean moving his bedroom from the first floor of his home to either the living or dinning room downstairs.

However, it is not known how much this will cost as a wet room will need to be built so Matthew can wash.

A meeting will also take place January 21 in the school hall to discuss the project.

• For more information or to volunteer contact Mrs Henry on (01952) 387880.