Treats for Tehya: blind toddler gets sensory toys thanks to you (From Thisisdorset)

Treats for Tehya: blind toddler gets sensory toys thanks to you

5:00pm Saturday 15th September 2012 in Latest

A BLIND toddler had a surprise second birthday present this week thanks to Echo readers and other generous donors.

Tehya Furley of Parkstone in Poole has been given hundreds of pounds worth of specialist sensory equipment and learning aids following an appeal by children’s disability charity Newlife Foundation.

The Echo featured Tehya’s story back in June and the charity says it has been “overwhelmed” by the response.

Her mother Tammy noticed something was wrong with one of the little girl’s eyes when she was about eight weeks old. She was diagnosed with a rare form of eye cancer called retinoblastoma and had the eye removed at three months.

A few weeks later, cancer was found in the other eye. She underwent treatment, but a couple of weeks before her first birthday, her mum noticed she was no longer focusing. Her development has been delayed as a result.

“When it comes to playing, Tehya sensory toys to help bring her out of herself and make her work a bit harder to engage with the world around her,” said Tammy.

“It takes her a while to get used to new things, but she is really loving the musical toys and aids, which seem to soothe her, particularly when she is getting grizzly.

“My neighbour heard her out in the garden and thought we had bought some wind chimes. I was really proud to be able to tell them that it was Tehya making the music herself. It’s such a big step forward for her.”

She added: “I would love to say a big thank you to everyone who has helped – I am so grateful to Newlife and to all those individuals who contributed to the appeal.

“Access to sensory equipment at home is very important for Tehya’s development but so expensive to buy, which is why this equipment grant has helped so much.”

So far, Newlife has provided nearly £60,000 of equipment – including specialised beds, buggies, wheelchairs, standing frames, portable hoists and communication aids – to 53 disabled children in Dorset.

Chief executive Sheila Brown said: “Dorset residents have proved themselves to be both caring and generous. However, we are experiencing hugely increased demands on our resources.”

To help, ring the community fundraising team on freephone 0800 988 4640.