Stowmarket boy, 2, cuts ribbon as new East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) shop opens in town’s Market Place

A spirited two-year-old boy receiving care from a charity was asked to cut the ribbon as a new shop opened in a town.

Logan Ditcham, who has Down’s syndrome, as well as heart and kidney disease, was invited to cut the ribbon at the new East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) store in Market Place, Stowmarket, at the former HSBC building.

He was joined by his mum Vicki, 33, who lives in Stowmarket with Logan and her four-year-old son Alfie, with the pair receiving care and support from EACH at The Treehouse in Ipswich.

She said: “We were truly honoured and grateful to be asked. It’s nice having something on our doorstep and gives us an opportunity to support the charity that does so much to support us.

“Everyone has been so fantastic and helpful, right from the beginning. It’s been a huge help and the care team has become a second family.

“I always pop into other EACH shops and think they’re great, so can’t wait to start using the new one here in Stowmarket.”

Logan and Vicki have been receiving care and support from EACH for more than a year, having initially started attending EACH’s TreeTots group which are special sessions for babies and youngsters up to the age of five.

They moved on to an overnight stay together, and Logan now enjoys daycare and short breaks on his own.

He particularly loves music therapy and band practice sessions, arts and crafts, playing with cars and being pushed on The Treehouse swing. He also hopes to start having hydrotherapy soon.

Vicki said Logan is a ‘loveable, cheeky little boy with the most gorgeous smile that lights up any room’.

“He melts hearts everywhere he goes and I can’t take him anywhere without people wanting to stop and talk. They’re always saying how cute and lovely he is,” she said.

“Logan’s a ray of sunshine and my little miracle. Whatever life throws at him, he picks himself up and keeps smiling.

“I love him so much and can’t imagine life without him.”

Vicki believes people have misconceptions when it comes to Down’s syndrome.

Logan’s condition was discovered during her pregnancy, but she said her son, who has had heart surgery three times, has defied all expectations.

“I’ve always been told of the barriers he’ll face - the things he won’t be able to do or achieve,” she said.

“However, he continues to amaze everyone, and the doctors and paediatricians are always impressed with the progress he’s making.

“He never stops fighting and words can’t describe how proud I am.

“My advice to parents in a similar situation would be don’t be frightened by anything you’re told during a scan.”