Sima Stannage from Sima’s Action Kids will be one of many members of the community helping to raise money for 7 year old Ethan Quinn at a special Christmas Party at Braywick Sports Centre (formerly known as WAMSAD) next month. With her high-energy dance routines, Sima will join other guests such as Pop Goes the Choir and Father Christmas and there will also be lots of festive stalls and culinary delights.

Ethan, who was diagnosed with cerebral palsy when he was three, attends Lent Rise Combined School in Burnham. His condition affects his muscle control and movement, and although he can walk and run, he is unable to play football or ride a bicycle.

“It is a great honour and privilege for me to be asked to perform at this fundraising event, and help Ethan and his family in some small way,” says Sima, who is a mother of two based in Maidenhead. “Music and movement are important for all children but especially for children with disabilities. It is incredibly important to help children develop their speech, cognitive and motor skills development“.

Ethan’s parents, Karen and Wayne are hoping that Ethan will be able to undergo a special operation called selective dorsal rhizotomy at Frenchay Hospital in Bristol in the next 12 months. Originating from the States, this complicated 4-5 hour operation focuses on the lower part of the spinal cord – if successful, it would ease Ethan’s muscle spasticity and improve his general mobility.

"Ethan is an incredibly happy boy, and we just want what is best for him",“says Ethan’s mum, Karen. "We feel that this operation could really improve his quality of life. I don’t want to have any regrets in say ten years‘ time. We have been told that the operation and rehabilitation treatment will cost around £50,000. If we are lucky, we might receive funding from our local Primary Care Trust, but it’s a bit of a postcode lottery, so we thought we’d start fundraising to get the ball rolling anyway.“

All of Ethan’s friends and family would like to thank the community for all their support. If for any reason, Ethan is not able to undergo the operation, all of the money will be donated to another children’s charity.

Ethan’s special Christmas Party at the Brayswick Sports Centre will take place on December 9th from Midday – 4pm. The entrance fee is £2 per person. To arrange an interview or photo, please phone Karen Quinn on: 0792 675 1243 or Sima Stannage on: 07956993439

For further information, please go to www.happyfeet4Ethan.co.uk and  www.simasactionkids.com