31/07/2026
Here's a letter which warms the heart, it makes me very proud to be a Rotarian, please read all of it...
First of all the plea for a donation which started the ball rolling...
Dear Members of the Rotary Club,
I am writing to request your support in funding an Apple iPad for my daughter, Ella Stonestreet, to enable her to use the communication app Grid. This device would provide her with a vital and effective way to communicate in her daily life.
Ella is a friendly 13-year-old with a joyful presence. She sustained a bifrontal brain injury at a young age. Despite extensive investigations, the underlying cause remains undetermined, resulting in severe expressive language impairment, including verbal dyspraxia and dysarthria, which render her non-verbal. She also has other complex needs.
Unfortunately, Ella does not currently meet the NHS criteria for a communication device, despite her clear ongoing need. NHS provision is limited by strict eligibility rules, slow processes, and a lack of flexibility to individual needs.
An iPad with Grid installed would act as Ella’s voice, enabling her to express her needs, thoughts, and feelings using symbols, words, or phrases. This would greatly reduce the frustration and anxiety caused by communication barriers and support her emotional wellbeing.
The impact of this support would extend far beyond basic communication. It would allow Ella to engage meaningfully with family, carers, and the wider community, helping to build relationships and reduce social isolation. It would also support her participation in learning, daily routines, and decision-making, promoting greater independence and confidence.
Importantly, the device would enhance her safety, enabling her to communicate if she is in pain, distressed, or needs help.
While specialist communication devices can be costly and are not accessible through NHS funding in this case, an Apple iPad with Grid provides a more affordable and highly effective alternative.
Your support would provide Ella with a practical solution that could have a lasting and meaningful impact on her quality of life.
Your consideration of this request is greatly appreciated. Supporting Ella would truly give her a voice and the chance for greater independence.
Yours faithfully,
Jenna Stonestreet
Mother of Ella Stonestreet
We subsequently gave them a donation of £500.
Dear Helston Rotary Club,
I wanted to take the time to share with you just how much your support has meant to Ella and our family.
For years, we asked for an AAC communication device for Ella, but we were repeatedly told that she “wasn’t ready”. For years SLT's underestimated her understanding, her ability to learn, and most importantly, her desire to communicate.
We always knew Ella had so much to say. She was never “not ready” — she simply needed the right way to express herself.
Your generosity has given Ella a voice and opened up opportunities that we always believed were possible.
In just five weeks of us and Curnow school consistently modelling the device with her, Ella has shown us exactly what we knew she could do. She has demonstrated amazing focus, curiosity, and a genuine excitement to communicate.
A small but incredibly powerful moment happened recently. I had dug out the paddling pool the night before, and the next morning at breakfast Ella independently used her device to communicate and asked for “swimming pool garden.”
To some people, this might seem like a simple phrase, but to us it was absolutely enormous. It was Ella sharing her thoughts, making a connection, and showing us that she understands and want expressing her wants and desires.
We are so incredibly proud of her, and we cannot thank you enough for helping make this possible. Your support has not just provided a piece of equipment — it has given Ella a greater sense of independence, confidence, and the ability to share her world with us.
This is only the beginning, and we are so excited to see where Ella’s communication journey takes her.
Thank you again for believing in Ella and helping give her the opportunity she deserves.
With heartfelt thanks,
Jenna & Alan Stonestreet
Helston Rotary Club meet at Queens Arms in Breage at 1800 for 1830 every Thursday (but no meetings in August).
Come and join us!
[email protected]
