A COUPLE whose son suffered terrible brain damage during an operation that went tragically wrong are making a desperate appeal for help.
Emma and Steve Turner are hoping that kind Islanders will help them find a family home to rent where they can care for ten-year-old Izaak and his little sister, Fifi. They have launched a website to raise awareness about their story and hope someone will answer their prayers in time for Christmas.
Izaak, who is affectionately known as Izzy, was left blind and with mobility problems following the failed operation on 28 December 2006. ‘We thought we were going to lose him altogether,’ said Emma. ‘It was devastating and heartbreaking.’
Izaak remained in a coma for three months following the operation in the UK to remove a skin growth from his ear canal. He was then transferred to a specialist neurological ward at Alder Hey hospital in Liverpool, where he stayed for six months before being able to come home to Jersey. During that time, Emma had to split her time between visiting Izaak and caring for Fifi, who was then just a few months old and back at home in Jersey with Steve.
As a result of the tragedy, Emma lost her job as a public relations professional and now has to stay at home to look after Izaak. For the past four years the family has rented a large, open-plan house in St Lawrence. It was perfect for their needs, but they have recently been told that they must move out, as the owner is returning to the Island.
• Anyone who can help is asked to call Emma on 07700 831474 or visit the website at www.househunt.webs.com, where more information is available.
• Picture: Steve, Fifi, Emma and Izzy Turner have to move out of their present accommodation. Picture by Rob Currie (00606496)
