A FUNDRAISER has been launched to buy “life-changing” back braces for twin brothers who have been in and out of hospital their whole lives because of a rare life-limiting condition. 

Three-year-olds Rafferty and Sidney Whyman were born with type one spinal muscular atrophy, which weakens their spine muscles and causes their spines to curve and twist, affecting their mobility.

The condition has meant the brothers are unable to walk or move around without wheelchairs and causes them breathing difficulties.

Resilient: Rafferty and Sidney are wheelchair bound and have been in and out of hospital their whole lives.Resilient: Rafferty and Sidney are wheelchair bound and have been in and out of hospital their whole lives. (Image: Jenna Whyman)

Rafferty and Sidney, from Benfleet, wear back braces which help correct their spine and give them relief from their breathing, however they have outgrown their current braces and need new ones to help them live their life as best they can. 

Teachers at Happy Stars, Rafferty and Sidney’s preschool, have organised a half marathon fundraiser to help get them their new braces, which cost £2,500 each, and take the pressure off their parents.

Their key worker, Amy Fillary, said: “When the twins first joined the school, they were very wary of everyone because of the countless hospital trips they had.

Crucial: Amy says the new back braces could be 'life changing' for the twins.Crucial: Amy (second from right) says the new back braces could be 'life changing' for the twins. (Image: Amy Fillary)

“In the last few months they have grown so much and have become such good friends with all the kids here. They are truly amazing and resilient boys.

“It is so crucial that they get these new braces because the ones they have now from the NHS are not really helping and only correcting their spine by two per cent. This means their spines get so curved that it makes their breathing really difficult and could even cause their lungs to get punctured.

“The new ones cost £2,500 each, but could straighten their spine by 30 per cent, which is life changing for them. They will be able to breathe easier and it will mean that they won’t have to have as many surgeries and hospital trips as they grow up.

Resilient: Staff and parents from the preschool will be running a half marathon to raise funds for the new braces.Resilient: Staff and parents from the preschool will be running a half marathon to raise funds for the new braces. (Image: Jenna Whyman)“They are such inspirational boys and are not phased by anything. They take on every challenge thrown at them and they make me want to be a better teacher and mother to my children.”

Parents and staff from the school will be running a half marathon from Shoebury to Leigh on September 1 to raise the money for the twins.

“It is absolutely imperative that we get them those braces,” said Amy.

“We just want to take some of the pressure off their parents and wonderful sister, Marnie.”

To donate towards the twins braces, visit: justgiving.com/crowdfunding/RaffandSid?