This week, 52 Lives would like to help a 21 year old single mum from London called Tracey. We heard about Tracy from a health visitor who is working with her.

Tracey spent her early years in the care system. She was fostered by a family, but her foster mum sadly died when Tracey was just 8 years old. Tracey’s oldest foster sister then took care of her until she turned 18, but that sister now has a large family of her own and cannot help her financially.

Tracey is a single parent and has an 18 month old little boy. The health visitor said he is extremely well looked after and loved, but he has had a developmental delay since birth and so is being seen by the child development team, Paediatric consultants and physiotherapists. He walked very late and is very unstable on his feet, so has a lot of falls.

Tracey and her son were living in supported accommodation and have just moved into their own accommodation. But she has very little. She was given a grant for paint, and received helped from the council with white goods. But what she desperately needs is carpet and some things for their home. The health visitor was concerned that her son has a lot of falls on the rough, bare floorboards, and thinks carpet would allow him to explore and find his feet in a much safer way. Her son is also in need of a toddler bed, as he isn't far away from being able to climb out of his cot. Tracey has been saving hard for carpet, a toddler bed, and other furniture, but she is a long way from being able to afford any of it. She just wants to make a lovely, safe home for the two of them.

Tracey receives very little support from anyone and is very much in need of kindness. Your help with make all the difference in the world to her and her little boy.

“She is a fab mum and has coped so well with all of his challenges and numerous medical checks and tests. She is thoughtful and creative with helping him improve his development at home and always demonstrates real patience with him.” Tracey's health visitor.