Builders donate £10,000 sensory room to Tipton family
A Tipton family has received a state-of the-art sensory room in their home for their disabled son, thanks to a £10,000 fundraising drive by local builders.
The Tektas family live at Strathmore Road, a Sandwell Council development that was built by local, family-owned contractor, Seddon.
During construction, Seddon site manager Rob Jones got to know the family and learnt of their son David’s rare condition, Lissencephaly.
Often known as “smooth brain”, David’s case is caused by a deletion on his chromosome 17, affecting feeding, mobility, speech, and cognition.
David’s mum, Emma Tektas shared David’s story, including his complex daily needs and the family’s trips to the local sensory room to receive therapy.
After hearing the family’s story, Rob was keen to raise money for a sensory room, making David feel more comfortable at home.
In collaboration with local subcontractors, Seddon raised a total of £10,000 towards interactive equipment that helps with David’s visual tracking, cognition, and fine motor skills. One activity involves pressing buttons to choose colours and patterns, helping the use of his hands and gain skills in cause and effect.
Rob attended occupational health meetings to be consulted on what would be required for the room before specialist company Rompa were brought in to evaluate the space.
The planning and installation of the room took three months and was completed this summer.
Rob Jones, project manager at Seddon, said: “In almost two decades with Seddon, I’ve been involved in several community projects at the sites where we build. But this is the first time I’ve worked on something so personal. I have my own children, so the Tektas family’s situation really struck a chord with me. It’s always nice to give back to someone and, in this case, the sensory room saves the family from having to travel. Now David can benefit from a sensory room every day, in the comfort of his own home.”
Emma Jones, David’s mother, added: “We are so grateful to Seddon, the subcontractors and Rob. We have never experienced such generosity and kindness and they have gone above and beyond, to help us to make precious memories with David. The sensory room is used daily and brings comfort on the bad days and fun and togetherness on the good days.”
The Strathmore Road site comprises 63 new homes and was completed in April 2020. A variety of house types were built including 46 two-bedroom, eight three-bedroom, and nine four-bedroom houses to accommodate those on the housing registry.
For more information about David’s condition and for updates from his mother, visit www.facebook.com/smoothisbeautiful
For more information about Seddon, visit seddon.co.uk