Rowlands Gill lad defies odds to reach 21st birthday

Dominic Skeen of Rowlands Gill has defied the odds and turns 21 in July this year, us and his family are asking YOU to send him a card.

After being told he’d never walk or talk, Dominic Skeen and his family are preparing to celebrate his 21st birthday. The big day isn’t until 10th July but there is plenty going on in the run up, from a ride in an American police vehicle to a bike escort.

Born on 10th July 1996 Dominic was seven weeks early; he underwent his first ever surgical procedure at just 25 days old.

A few months later it was time for surgery number 2, and his health complications didn’t stop there. He has Glaucoma so suffers from vision problems alongside a catalogue of other illnesses including; globally development delay, Hyperextensible joints, juvenile arthritis and extreme thyroid problems.

Due to his Autism, Dominic doesn’t get as excited as many other people do on his birthday, and that is why his family want to make this one extra special. His older sister Beth also suffers from some of the same illnesses as him, she is his primary carer and the person leading the campaign to get Dom as many birthday cards as possible.

“At the moment Dominic loves countries around the world and Disneyland. So … he’s getting a trip to Disneyland, but both my mum and myself thought why don’t we see if we can get some cards from friends and family around the world?

“He has no idea about this. Just any type of cards for him to know that there are these places around the world. He knows some countries as he’s been to them, but anywhere. Even people from down the road are offering to send a card and it’s just amazing!”

Dom’s bike escort is happening on Sunday 9th July and people are meeting at Washington Wetlands Centre from around 11am.

For more information on sending Dom a birthday card, follow the hashtag #cardsfordom where you’ll find his address.