Barnsley Football Club will be supporting young mascot Louie George at Oakwell this weekend.
The Wood family are trying to raise vital funds for Louie’s treatment, as he aims to overcome serious medical issues at an early age in his life.
The Club have invited Louie and his elder brother, Jake, to be mascots this weekend, leading the teams out along with spending the day in Box 16 as our invited guests.
Louie is a fighter, a brave little boy who epitomises what the town is about and we want to send our well-wishes as well as gathering support to help him in his treatment.
Louie’s mother, Jodie, has given the following story about her son’s mission to get back to full health.
“After a bad pregnancy, Louie was born at 28 weeks in 2016 weighing 2lb in Barnsley. He suffered a brain bleed, chronic lung disease, suspected sepsis, anaemia, stomach issues and was very poorly.
“After months of blood transfusions, 3 hospitals, medications to make him stronger, Louie came home on 24 hour oxygen.
“We realised he wasn't reaching any milestones, was stiff and cried constantly. We desperately sought answers.
“Just before his first birthday we were given the devastating news that Louie had multiple brain cysts PVL, a reason for not meeting his milestones and his restricted growth. We were told Louie most probably wouldn't hold his head up, roll, sit, crawl, stand or walk.
“We had to wait another agonising year before a MRI confirmed that Louie has quadriplegic spastic cerebral palsy, along with global development delay, and severe PVL.
“We work hard on his physio, hydrotherapy, portage standing and walking frame. Amazingly Louie can roll over, is learning to sit and walk, giving us hope for his future.”
Donations can be made to their JustGiving page below.