More hospital trips for Ben

THE first few months of the new year will see a popular Southwold schoolboy endure yet more visits to hospital.

Ben McMillan has had health problems all his life, but his cheerful attitude has seen the plucky eight-year-old win many friends.

He was born with cranial stenosis which affected all his senses and his growth in the first few years of his life.

After suffering from pains in his joints, Ben has also been suffering from a hypo-mobility problem.

Journal readers have taken Ben to their hearts and a support fund has helped his family on their frequent hospital trips.

Ben's grandmother Doreen McMillan said that on the youngster's last visit to Great Ormond Street Hospital in London on December 21 he was again diagnosed with hypo-mobility.

“This time they also found that his ankles were not correctly formed. Ben now has to use the wheelchair purchased with money from the support fund full time so that he doesn't make his legs worse,” said Mrs McMillan.

Ben and his mother Donna have just returned from another London hospital appointment and there are two more hospital visits scheduled for this month.

At the end of February, the youngster returns to Great Ormond Street Hospital for treatment on his ankles and legs.

“Donna will be able to stay in the parents' accommodation recently completed opposite the hospital and once again the fund has taken the stress of expense,” said Mrs McMillan. “It has been a life saver.”

Mrs McMillan, Donna and Ben also make regular contributions to the fund through money raised at car boot sales held in the grounds of Wrentham Village Hall.

Despite all his health problems Ben remains as positive as ever and always has a smile on his face.

“Ben's taking it all in his stride. Nothing seems to get to him for long. He just bounces back,” said Mrs McMillan.