A FOUR-year-old boy from Warwick with burn scarring over almost his whole body has had his life transformed thanks to a much-needed donation.
Jenson Smith climbed into a running hot bath when he was just 19 months old – resulting in 93 per cent burns to his body, as well as bowel failure.
He was discharged from hospital two years ago, but he has suffered terribly in the hot weather ever since, especially in the recent heatwave.
Fortunately a local plumbing and heating specialist, moved by Jenson’s story, has come to the rescue, donating two air condition units to his home.
Jenson’s mum and dad, Jess Cox and Jason Smith, had been searching for ways to secure funding for air conditioning but had never been successful.
Jess explained: “In the summer months Jenson becomes very itchy and irritable and because he needs to be on his IV feed for 15 hours a night, on a warm day this is difficult for him. On a hot day it’s unbearable and as Jenson is also non-verbal, it’s frustrating for him when he’s unable to express his needs.
“We knew having cool rooms in our home would transform his life, so we’ve explored lots of funding avenues over the last two years, but sadly nobody has been able to help until now.”
The recent heatwave prompted NHS staff who have regular contact with Jenson to come together and ask as many people as possible if they could think of a solution.
Word of Jenson’s unbearable situation reached a nurse who lives opposite to Custom Heat’s Managing Director, Lincoln Smith.
Upon hearing Jenson’s story, Lincoln immediately said Custom Heat would provide and install two Worcester Bosch air conditioning units free of charge. Liaison began with Orbit immediately and the housing provider fast-tracked approval for one unit to be fitted into Jenson’s bedroom and one in the family living room.
The units were installed at the end of last month and now Jenson can look forward to being more comfortable during the day and night.
Lincoln from Custom Heat said: “It’s upsetting to think that Jenson has been really suffering for two summers so when I heard about his story there was no doubt in my mind that we would be able to help. The family wanted to prioritise air conditioning in Jenson’s bedroom, but it was obvious that having a cool living room would dramatically improve Jenson’s quality of life on hot days, so we agreed to fund and fit two units.
“It’s touched a lot of people’s hearts here at Custom Heat and while we couldn’t get the units in time for the sweltering days we’ve recently had, we’re all happy knowing Jenson will be comfortable in the summer for many years to come.”
Jess added: “We almost couldn’t believe it when we heard Custom Heat agreed to install two air conditioning units and we can’t thank them enough for their kindness. It’s such a huge weight off our minds knowing that Jenson won’t have to suffer unnecessarily in the heat anymore. He’s going to be happier and more relaxed when he’s having his IV feed and playing with his brothers, which will make a big difference to his life.”
