THE family of a Torfaen woman who has a debilitating brain condition are pleading with housing association from the borough to allow her to spend Christmas with them.

Lisa Wilcox, 32, is unable to speak or move and can only communicate with the use of a special alphabet card after developing acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (Adem) earlier this year.

Her parents, Anthony and Ceri Wilcox, and her nine-year-son Jack, wish to spend time with her at their home but need approval from Bron Afon housing association to install a temporary ramp.

“We know that it would just be for a few hours on Christmas Day and Boxing Day,” said Mrs Wilcox, 54, of Farlays, Coed Eva.

“And it would be just for a few hours too – three at a maximum, but we want, as anyone would, to spend Christmas, or part of it, together as a family.” 

Since falling ill, Miss Wilcox has stayed permanently at the Rookwood Hospital in Llandaff and the family regularly commute to visit her.

Mrs Wilcox added that while it is important for the whole family to spend Christmas together, it is most important for her grandson.

“He is desperate to spend Christmas with his mum and Lisa wants to spend it with her son and we are doing this especially for him,” she said.

The occupational therapy staff at the Cardiff hospital have given the all-clear from their end to allow Miss Wilcox to visit her family, but require the approval from Bron Afon.

“We have asked Bron Afon on two occasions to see if we can have a temporary ramp installed but they have said no,” added Mrs Wilcox.

“We’ve lived here for 34 years – I work across the way and Jack’s school is close by. We don’t want to have to move.

“After all, it is Lisa’s desire to spend Christmas with us too – using her card, she has communicated on numerous occasions of her wish this Christmas.”

Tim Gilbert, Bron Afon’s head of planned services, said: “We are very sorry to hear about the distressing situation that the Wilcox family are going through at the moment. 

“We will be meeting with them to talk about all practical options that take into account Lisa’s needs.”