Birth trauma legacy

Andrew Gibson • Published 25 Aug 2010 13:00

THE mum of a three-year-old girl left disabled after a traumatic birth wants to create a support group for parents similarly affected.

Single mum Gayle Nugent, 28, faces daily challenges taking care of her daughter Lexi, who has been diagnosed with Erb’s Palsy.

The condition severely restricts the tot’s use of her left arm, which subsequently affects her balance and increases her risk of injury.

The condition is believed to be linked to complications during Lexi’s birth when she suffered severe nerve damage in her left arm, which has left it malformed.

She is prone to falling and banging her head, and needs more assistance with dressing and going to the toilet than other children of the same age, something that is likely to continue.

The Faifley mum said: “Lexi was diagnosed as soon as she was born - she was too big for me to deliver.

“They used forceps and that was what snapped nerve endings in her left arm.

“She struggles every day and falls all the time. Because it has affected her arm from the top of her shoulder, her balance is very poor.”

Now Gayle is inviting parents and carers who look after children with similar disabilities to attend a fundraising and awareness night, for a dedicated Erb’s Palsy charity, next month.

Gayle said: “I wanted to see if there are other families in the area who have someone in their family like Lexi and I’m trying to get a wee support group going to share tips and advice.”

Having received help from the Erb’s Palsy Group, an English organisation set up to provide support, Gayle now wants to donate to the cause.

The fundraising night will take place in the Goldenhill pub in Duntocher on October 16 from 7.30pm.

There will be a DJ playing on the night and plenty other entertainment on offer.

Tickets cost £5 on the door.

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This article appeared in Clydebank Post 25 Aug 10

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