In June 2022, JSA Service received an email from Laura*. A young single mum to three children who lived in a housing association maisonette in Sunbury-On-Thames (near to JSA Service’s head office!).
Two years ago, her eldest daughter was diagnosed by Great Ormond Street Hospital as having a rare condition called Aquagenic Urticaria - a severe and rare allergy to water. She had also been diagnosed with a condition called hyperhidrosis, which means excess sweating and therefore she is effectively allergic to her own sweat.
Her condition means that any contact with water or even her own sweat can cause hives and facial / throat swelling. The family has had to make lots of adjustments, from not being able to partake in sports to taking time off school if the weather gets too hot.
With money tight, black out curtains, fans and an air cooler not making any difference and a recent trip to A&E, Laura decided she had to do something for her daughter as it is imperative to keep her daughter cool, especially during the summer months.
After reaching out to JSA Service, our Managing Director, Allan Wilkinson took it upon himself to help Laura with a domestic air conditioning unit for her daughter’s bedroom so she could at least have a cool place to sleep and study for her GCSEs.
The A/C unit was installed free of charge on behalf of JSA Service as a gesture of goodwill and Laura commented:
“You’ve allowed my daughter to have a safe space and I know how much it will improve not only her physical, but also her mental health – especially during the warmer summer months.”
*Name changed for confidentiality reasons.