A BRAVE little boy who has spent most of his early years fighting to stay alive saw his world light up last year, thanks to the Christmas Wish appeal.

Four-year-old Ashton Bonner, who suffers from quadriplegic cerebral palsy and chronic lung disease, has been on life support no fewer than five times and was hospitalised most of 2013 when his grandmother Maria Davis contacted the Adver for help.

Maria, of Penhill, who is his full-time carer, had one wish for her grandson – to have sensory lights fitted in his bedroom.

A year on, she is encouraging other families to follow in her footsteps and nominate a loved one for a Christmas Wish.

“He was so poorly last year – he was on life support and spent most of the time in hospital,” said the 43-year-old. “He is on oxygen overnight and he’s limited in his movements. But he is the happiest, loveliest little thing.

“The good news is that he was able to come home from the hospital for Christmas Eve and see the sensory lights. He was just in awe. He can’t go to sleep without them now.”

Quadriplegia is the most severe type of cerebral palsy, caused by extensive damage to the brain. Children with the condition have a high degree of stiffness in all their limbs, and may be unable to walk. At the same time, their neck muscles are very loose and they may have problems supporting their head.

The lights were donated and fitted free of charge by Associated Electrical and Lighting (AEL) Ltd in Rodbourne Road.

“He has been through so much,” added Maria. “It was a dream come true. He is limited to what he can play with but the sensory lights make his room magical.

“Sensory lights for children with disabilities are key but they were so expensive.

“They are stimulating and they almost settle him. It just calms him down.”

This year our Christmas Wish Appeal 2014 runs from December 11 to Christmas Eve.

To nominate a very deserving friend, group or relative simply tell us who they are, why they should win and how we can help. You can send in your nomination in the following ways: l By post: Fill in the form here and send it to Michelle Tompkins, Christmas Wish Appeal 2014, Swindon Advertiser, 100 Victoria Road, Swindon, SN1 3BE. Attach extra notes if you can’t fit all the details on the form.

l By email: Email mtompkins@swindonadvertiser.co.uk with details of who deserves a Christmas Wish, what the wish should be and why. Use the subject header ‘Christmas Wish 2014’. Please be sure to include your own telephone number and the number of the person you are nominating.

You can send us your nomination in the following ways:

 By post: Fill in the form send it to Michelle Tompkins, Christmas Wish Appeal 2014, Swindon Advertiser, 100 Victoria Road, Swindon, SN1 3BE. Give as much detail as possible – attach extra notes if you can’t fit it on the form.

By email: Email mtompkins@swindon advertiser.co.uk with details of who deserves a Christmas Wish, what the wish should be and why. Use the subject header ‘Christmas Wish 2014’. Please be sure to include your own telephone number and the number of the person you are nominating.

Look out for the Christmas Wishes will appear in the paper from December 11 until Christmas Eve.  

Print off and fill in the form below wishform page2.pdf