A TERMINALLY teenager is faced with taking part in a sponsored walk to help fund a home conversion.

Caitlin Shaw, 15, has a number of complex health problems, including Klippel-Feil syndrome – a rare skeletal disorder – and Kyphoscoliosis.

After beginning palliative care following a double pneumonia scare in April, doctors recommended Caitlin’s family move to a bigger property to accommodate her needs.

Caitlin’s family have reluctantly agreed for their tenants, Weaver Vale Housing Trust, to begin work on a conversion on their Rudheath home after failing to secure a suitable alternative property.

If successful, a £30,000 grant will pay for the majority of the work, however Caitlin’s family must seek funding elsewhere and are faced with fundraising to meet a shortfall of around £10,000. The work is expected to take six months.

Caitlin’s mum, Samantha Wrench, said: “We are not happy having to fundraise for all her adaption as we should be making memories, not spending all our time organising events.

“I fear if we don’t manage to raise enough funds Caitlin’s health will deteriorate further and she won’t get the proper care that she greatly needs.”

Ms Wrench has arranged a sponsored walk from Knutsford to the Witton Chimes. Caitlin – who is becoming increasingly reliant on a wheelchair – is going to attempt to walk the last mile.

Caitlin said: “I am more scared than nervous. I am scared to have to do that, it makes me annoyed I have to do that.”

Caitlin said she is also ‘anxious’ at the prospect of leaving her home while the work is being carried out.

Toni Reed, tenancy services manager at WVHT, said: “We remain in close contact with Ms Wrench and have been exploring all possible options available to us to ensure that Caitlin can access suitable specially adapted accommodation that will allow her to receive the care and support she needs.

“Following discussions, the family has requested to move forward with plans to carry out the major building adaptation works at their current property. Our team is currently supporting Ms Wrench to apply for Disabled Facilities Grant with CWAC.

“In the meantime, our team will be carrying out work to widen doors at the home to make the property suitable for Caitlin’s new wheelchair. We will continue to do everything in our power to help the Ms Wrench and her daughter at this difficult time.”

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