Millfield Junior Reporters -
An event for a special boy
Added 28 January 2012
On 1 February a special fund raising event is being held for Finley Jackson who has Doors Syndrome.
Finley's mum went to Millfield School, so they are doing what they can to help and raise funds. English students in years 8 and 10 have been interviewing Mrs Townley, the teaching assistant who instigated the events, to find out more. Here's what's happening and how you can get involved, in their own words!
Mrs Townley and a group of students
Millfield School raises money for miracle baby
by Samantha Smith, Year 10
Students of Millfield Science and Performing Arts College are putting on a special concert to raise funds for local baby Finley Jackson, who suffers from a rare disease.
DOOR Syndrome is a rare genetic disease that affects fewer than 50 people worldwide, with only 3 cases in the UK. One of these is the case of 1 year old Finley Jackson. DOOR Syndrome causes epilepsy, deafness and dilated kidney, as well as malformations of the nails and bones. Finley suffers from all of these symptoms and is in need of our help. Little is known about this disease but there is a special cot and helmet available that alert Finley’s family when he is having a seizure or is in need of their help.
Finley lives at home with his mum and grandmother but is always in and out of hospital. His parents are hoping to meet up with a specialist team of doctors in Manchester to try and find out more about his rare condition.
Finley’s mum Madison McCluskey is a former student of Millfield and still keeps in touch with one of the teachers, Mrs Townley, who has asked the Headmaster of the school, Mr Bullen, if they could hold a fundraising event to help raise money to buy the cot for Finley. Mr Bullen agreed to have a non uniform day on Wednesday 1st February where students pay £1 to come to school in non uniform. He has also agreed to let the students take part in a concert on Wednesday evening to raise extra money.
Different acts, such as singing and dancing, will be performed by students of Millfield, a raffle will also take place and refreshments will also be available. Tickets to the concert cost £2.50 for children and £5 for adults, but anyone who pays their £1 for non uniform will only have to pay an added £1.50 for a ticket. The concert will start at 7.00pm and takes place in Millfield’s school hall. Tickets are available in advance or can be bought on the night. All proceeds go towards helping baby Finley and buying his cot and helmet.
All students are eager to support Finley and his family. Mrs Townley said “It’s hard emotionally for his parents, but they have a really supportive family that is helping them through.” Finley’s family are still trying to lead a normal life with their beloved baby and he always takes priority. Lots of people in the local area are helping in their own ways too and we all wish Finley and his family a heartfelt good luck for the future.
Mrs Townley and a year 8 student, working on the project
Door Syndrome Dilema
By Melisa Gungor, Year 8
Last year one year old Finley Jackson was diagnosed with the rare genetic disorder Doorsyndrome. His mother and father are now looking for donations towards a special cot to help Finley be monitored through his life-threatening condition.
About the condition
Doorsyndrome stands for Deafness, Onychdystrophy, Osleodystrophy and Mental Retardation. It is so rare that one in three babies in the UK are diagnosed and around fifty cases worldwide. The condition can include special facial features such as a large nose, finger like thumbs and visual impairment. Also nail abnormalities may include undeveloped, misshapen or absent finger nails and/or toe nails.
The Family
Finley’s parents are seventeen year old MaddisonMcCulskey and eighteen year old Stephan Jackson living in Thornton. Stephan, from Poulton, juggles fatherhood with studying an engineering diploma at The Fylde College. When Finley was born he wasn’t breathing and had to be resuscitated Stephan quoted ‘It was possibly the scariest moment of my life’. Now Finley gets all the care and love he needs by devoted parents and family and is said is luck to be alive.
Why do we need your donations?
Your donations will help the family pay for a special cot and helmet for Finley. The helmet monitors him and can alert them when he is going to have a seizure which is usually once a day for half an hour. Also if Finley has a seizure in the middle of the night it will help alert the family to make sure they see him through.
Local councillor Andrea Kay organises event to raise money towards this vital equipment. On the first of February local high school Millfield are holding a concert to help raise money. Tickets are £2.50 for children and £5.00 for adults. Or you could call 07813 593821. Please donate generously for it’s a good cause, Thank you.
Well done to all the students who took part in this first Junior Reporter!
Miss Morton set a piece of homework this week for the Year 8 and Year 10 classes at Millfield, for each of the students to complete and hand in. A selection of entries were sent to us at Visit Cleveleys to pick our favourites.
These two winning pieces were selected because they gave an overview of why the school were raising money and the charity that was being supported, and also gave information about the event to promote it and encourage people to come along and give their support.
After the event has taken place, the students will once again have their creative juices flowing, to write follow up articles about what happened. Watch this space!
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