HUGS at Hurst for little Izzy

The Mid Sussex Times' recent feature highlighting the plight of Izzy Humphries and the enterprise of her aunt, Michelle Humphries, have already produced a significant result. Izzie, from Burgess Hill, has a rare brain disorder which has left her disabled and with only involuntary movements in her limbs. After the Middy’s coverage, Michelle - who works for Sodexo, the caterers at Hurstpierpoint College - was asked by Fr Jeremy Sykes, the school’s Chaplain, if the College could help.

After talking to Michelle and in consultation with Hurst’s Headmaster, Tim Manly, Mr Sykes decided to invite the entire school community to make a contribution to HUGS  (a new children’s charity set up to support children in need anywhere in the UK) who are the lead providers of support for Izzie and her family.

Within a very short space of time, the school had amassed £1,600. “I was” said Fr Jeremy “pleased with the speed and generosity with which our pupils responded and it was a privilege to hand HUGS a cheque for this sum in front of the entire school at Chapel this morning.”

Izabella's mother, Natalie Ellis, was thrilled at the school’s contribution. “I’ve been overwhelmed by the support we have received not just from family and friends but also from so many in the wider community such as the children at Hurst” she said. “The desire of so many people to help us to give little Izabella the best quality of life we can gives me such encouragement for the journey ahead. The NHS staff supporting us are doing everything they can within the constraints they have to work under; this additional support channelled via HUGS, however, will enable us to respond quickly to some of her more urgent needs as they arise. Demi, her sister, Bobby, her brother and of course Dave, her dad, join with me in expressing our deep gratitude to everyone who has heard of Izabella’s condition and offered, in one way or another, what help they can.”