Parents need support as Caleb heals

Caleb Skinner

Every time Caleb Skinner reaches a milestone his parents breathe a sigh of relief as they hope for a full recovery for their toddler.

But reality is slowly setting in for his parents Daryll Skinner and Jo Smith: sick leave has run out for Mr Skinner, Ms Smith has been forced to give up her job and they still don't know how long the recovery will take, let alone how much brain damage their son has received.

The 2-year-old, who was assaulted on March 3, receiving life-threatening head injuries, was airlifted to Starship Hospital in an induced coma the same day with his parents holding a bedside vigil until doctors slowly woke him a few days later. Caleb had to be revived by ambulance staff on the night he was assaulted in the George St home.

Doctors are unable to tell his parents how much brain damaged the toddler has received but he is being transferred to North Shore's Wilson Children's Rehabilitation Centre on Wednesday where his parents will learn how to cope with his head injuries as Caleb heals.

"We could be there for a month or so."

Mr Skinner said it had been a slow road so far but they were delighted every time their son showed progress.

"It's just great ... It makes us feel so good each day when we see him do things. It makes me happy ... there is a long way to go."

However, Caleb, normally a bubbly, full-of-life child, is still not himself.

"He's not eating or drinking properly yet. He has the feeding tube in still. He has picked up a lot but he's only awake for short periods and then he falls asleep again. They say it's all the brain stuff that's going on," he said.

Meanwhile the couple, who are separated, are struggling financially.

Mr Skinner, a welder, said they were desperate for things like clothing and shoes and other basics needs like toiletries. They left Masterton in the clothes they were standing in.

"My work has been amazing but my sick pay has run out," he said.

They are extremely thankful for the support of hospital staff, friends and family and donations given so far by the public.

"We are so grateful Caleb is here today. If it wasn't for the ambulance, hospital staff and Starship Hospital there would be a lot [of] people without siblings. You have to be grateful for what they do ... we are so grateful for the support from the community."

A Facebook appeal page, "Caleb Skinner Appeal", has been set up through St Matthew's Parish Church, and tins have been placed at businesses throughout Masterton in support of the family. Wairarapa Advocacy Service has also set up an appeal and will hold a street appeal next week.

Auction to aid injured toddler

DONATION DETAILS
Account Name: WBS-Wairarapa Building Society
Account Number: 02-0688-0089022-02
PAYEE Particulars: St Matthews
PAYEE Code: 262996 S31
PAYEE Reference: 100008538

An auction to support Caleb Skinner in his recovery from an assault will take place in about one month's time.

Elaine Leggott of Wairarapa Care, who kick-started a campaign to support Caleb and his parents, said she is grateful for donations into Caleb Skinner's trust account and has even noted inquiries from overseas asking about the best way to support Caleb. The account is administered by St Matthew's Church.

"We have been overwhelmed by the generosity of people and the volunteers who are willingly giving up their time to help us get Caleb's plight and our Trust out there for people to see," she said.

The date and venue for the auction is yet to be decided but the effort to accumulate prizes has started with items donated by Wairarapa businesses.

Tins to collect donations for Caleb are dotted around Masterton including at cafes, supermarkets, service stations and bottle shops.

There is a Facebook page set up called "Caleb Skinner Appeal".