In a heartfelt collaboration with the Mirror Christmas campaign, Marc Elliott, known for his role in EastEnders, and his close friend Ann Wenn have united to highlight the transformative impact of Lifelites technology for children with life-limiting conditions. Their shared journey, particularly with Ann’s son, Sebby Slater, who has cerebral palsy, underscores the importance of accessibility to innovative assistive tools for enhancing the quality of life for seriously ill children.
Friendship and Resilience Amid Challenges
The bond between 12-year-old Sebby and Marc is evident as they share moments of laughter. To Sebby, who refers to him as “Uncle Marc,” this relationship offers comfort and joy. Marc, 46, made television history as the first openly gay Muslim character in a UK soap, portraying Syed Masood in EastEnders. He later appeared in Holby City as Doctor Isaac Mayfield. Their friendship began over two decades ago during a theatre production in Austria, and Ann describes Marc as her “rock,” especially during challenging times.
Ann, 52, has faced numerous adversities, including the loss of her mother and sister. “Our friendship has been based upon laughing in the face of adversity,” she says. With Sebby’s diagnosis, their bond deepened as Marc supported Ann through the emotional journey of parenting a child with a disability.
Lifelites: A Lifeline for Children
Today, Marc advocates for the Mirror’s Christmas appeal benefiting Lifelites, a charity dedicated to providing assistive and sensory technology for children with life-limiting conditions. Lifelites collaborates with over 65 children’s hospices and palliative care services across the UK and Ireland. Out of the approximately 100,000 children in the UK living with such conditions, only 15,000 currently have access to this life-changing technology, leaving 85,000 without the necessary support.
The technology offered by Lifelites includes tools such as the Eyegaze, which enables users to control devices using only their eyes, the Magic Carpet, which projects interactive images, and the Soundbeam, which converts motion into music. Marc highlights the significance of these resources, stating, “It’s an absolutely incredible cause and every child deserves to be happy and stimulated.” He references Sebby’s positive experiences with the Magic Carpet and Eyegaze, showcasing how these technologies have enriched his life.
Ann recounts the early challenges of Sebby’s life, beginning with a traumatic birth experience caused by an umbilical cord prolapse. “Sebby, being starved of oxygen, wasn’t alive on delivery,” she explains. Fortunately, emergency responders arrived quickly and resuscitated him. As Sebby grew, Ann noticed developmental delays, leading to a diagnosis of cerebral palsy at six months. Despite the initial difficulty of receiving this news, she embraced the journey, eager to understand Sebby’s unique experiences.
Sebby was introduced to Lifelites technology at the age of two. Currently attending Ingfield Manor School in Five Oaks, he benefits from a tailored education that fosters his learning and development. Ann reflects on Sebby’s progress with pride, noting his enthusiasm for school and the technology that Lifelites provides. “When he first went on the Magic Carpet, I cried. It was magical to watch him,” she shares.
Recently, Sebby achieved a significant milestone by taking steps independently with the aid of a new walker, a moment that left Ann and Marc emotional. “We were all speechless and in tears,” she recalls. As a single parent, Ann expresses immense gratitude for Marc’s unwavering support through every challenge, including the end of her relationship with Sebby’s father.
“Sebby absolutely loves being with Uncle Marc. Their bond is really amazing,” Ann states, emphasizing the joy they share. Marc admires Ann’s strength, calling her resilience and sense of humor astonishing. “To be in Sebby’s life is an enormous privilege as he is an amazing boy and brings us all so much joy,” he adds.
The Mirror campaign has also garnered support from notable figures such as Chris Robshaw and his wife, singer Camilla Kerslake. They expressed their commitment to the cause, highlighting the profound impact of Lifelites technology on children and their families.
As the Christmas season approaches, the appeal invites donations to help provide seriously ill children access to essential technologies. Contributions will allow these children to engage in play, communication, and joy that would otherwise be unattainable. Readers are encouraged to participate by donating online or via text.
Science and Technology Secretary Liz Kendall supports the initiative, stating, “No child should face isolation because they lack the tools to connect with the world around them.” She urges everyone to back the appeal, emphasizing how technology can positively transform lives.
The collaboration between Marc Elliott, Ann Wenn, and Lifelites serves as a powerful reminder of the impact of friendship, resilience, and innovation in the lives of children facing significant challenges. Together, they strive to ensure that every child, like Sebby, has the opportunity to experience joy and connection during this festive season and beyond.
