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What Happened: A mystery donor has donated £18,000 to help fund home adaptations for four-year-old Kit Slessor-Pavely. Kit has complex medical needs and his mother, Katherine had been fundraising to cope. Katherine wants to convert their garage into an accessible ground-floor bedroom and bathroom.
Katherine estimates the project will cost £135,000. The recent donation brings the family’s JustGiving page to over £30,000 of their £45,000 goal. The generosity of the donation overwhelmed the family, which brought much closer to their goal.
Kit's Condition: Kit suffered severe brain damage following a two-hour seizure at 18 months old. This left him with epilepsy, motor dysfunction, and partial blindness. He cannot sit up unaided, walk without a frame, or speak. He can communicate through expressions such as smiling and laughing.
Despite doctors’ initial concerns, Kit now eats independently and finds joy in music and lights. His condition has caused significant mobility challenges. These prompted the need for the adaptations that would improve his quality of life and safety.
More Info: The planned renovations include a specialist bath costing £16,000. The bath features lights, sounds, and bubbles—some of Kit’s favorite things. Tunbridge Wells Borough Council has offered £30,000 from a discretionary fund in addition to the government’s Disabled Facilities Grant. Katherine highlights that these funds fall short due to the project’s high costs and the impact of VAT. She is advocating for VAT relief on disability builds. The tax currently imposes a significant financial burden on families in similar situations.
Donations to support Kit's home adaptations can be made through their JustGiving page.
