A brave Scottish child with two life-altering conditions is sharing his struggles as Christmas approaches. Seth, a 10-year-old from Ellon, Aberdeenshire, lives with spina bifida and hydrocephalus. Despite his challenges, Seth is eagerly anticipating receiving his Christmas gifts with the support of a Scottish charity dedicated to helping individuals like him. Seth, along with his mother Margaret and sister Ane, recently attended SBH Scotland’s Christmas Party at the St Georges Community Centre in Tillydrone. The event provided Seth an opportunity to interact with friends facing similar conditions, offering him a sense of camaraderie and joy.
Margaret, Seth’s mother, expressed how the support from SBH Scotland has made a significant impact on their lives. Unlike at school where Seth feels different due to his physical disabilities, the family events organised by the charity create a more inclusive environment for Seth. Margaret shared her journey of discovering spina bifida when she was pregnant with Seth in 2014. Initially overwhelmed by the future implications of Seth’s conditions, Margaret found solace and guidance through SBH Scotland’s family groups, where she could connect with other parents facing similar challenges.
Peer-to-peer support from experienced parents has been invaluable for Margaret, allowing her to navigate Seth’s care and development more confidently. Now, as Seth grows older, Margaret finds herself in a position to pay forward the support she has received by offering guidance to newer families joining the group. The festive season holds special significance for Seth, who is passionate about sports, particularly wheelchair basketball. He eagerly awaits receiving gifts such as a basketball net and a football game for his Nintendo Switch.
Margaret and Seth are actively collaborating with SBH Scotland to raise awareness and funds through the charity’s Christmas Appeal. The donations received will enable SBH Scotland to continue providing essential services, including the family groups that have been a cornerstone of support for Seth and his family. As Christmas draws near, the spirit of resilience and community shines brightly in Seth’s story, inspiring others to support those facing similar challenges with compassion and empathy.