Chartered Builders, Greendale Construction Limited, has raised an incredible £1210 for local charity, Gabriel’s Journey. Voted for by Greendale employees, Gabriel’s Journey raises funds for 15-year old Gabriel from Bridport; a twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome survivor, born at 33+4 weeks’ gestation along with his identical twin brother Isaac; sadly, stillborn. After his birth, Gabriel was resuscitated for 28 minutes by healthcare professionals; he had a neonatal intracranial haemorrhage, spent 4 days on a ventilator, required a blood transfusion and antibiotics. Gabriel is diagnosed with four limb cerebral palsy, epilepsy, global developmental delay, and is nonverbal.
In August 2023, Gabriel suffered a prolonged seizure which led to him being intubated. Unfortunately, the intubation caused severe damage to his airway, and despite multiple surgical procedures at both Southampton and Great Ormond Street Hospital, his health declined. On the 10th of November 2023, Gabriel underwent tracheostomy surgery. Since then, he has been diagnosed with Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome; a rare and unfortunately drug-resistant form of epilepsy.
Although very unwell at times, courageous Gabriel continues to battle on with fierce determination and a winning smile on his face.
The money raised by Greendale’s employees at the company’s annual Christmas party, with raffle prizes kindly donated by the firm and its supply chain, will go towards providing Gabriel with home adaptations, equipment, and therapies, unavailable through the NHS or social care services, as well as adapted toys and holidays.
Rosa Donovan, Gabriel’s carer, commented: “Gabriel is the strongest person I know. The challenges he’s faced throughout his life so far have been very traumatic for him, but he always gives a good fight, and every day he has a huge zest for life, showing his disabilities won’t hold him back. Making memories with Gabe is so important as the complexities of his disabilities can take a turn at any given time, and we all want to give him the best life we can. We are extremely grateful for the team at Greendale Construction for sponsoring Gabe as this will make a huge positive difference to him living his life.”
Maria Seabright, HR and Finance Director, Greendale Construction, commented: ‘Year after year, we are moved by the generosity of everyone who helped us raise funds for our annual charity. From our generous employees who also picked Gabriel’s Journey as our charity of 2025, to our supportive suppliers who kindly donated raffle prizes. We’re looking forward to raising more funds throughout the year for Gabriel, to enable his family and carers to provide him with the things that will help him gain the most enjoyment from life.”