A selection of current appeals

Symmetrikit Tiltrite Chair for Jhye

We are seeking financial support to purchase a Symmetrikit Tiltrite Chair for Jhye, a 4-year-old boy from Suffolk diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy and classified as GMFCS Level 5.Cerebral Palsy GMFCS Level 5 is the most severe classification in the Gross Motor Function Classification System  (GMFCS), which is used to describe the motor abilities of individuals with cerebral palsy. It helps categorise the level of mobility and physical independence based on functional limitations.Jhye currently uses a feeding chair at home, which is unsuitable for his broader needs. The NHS is unable to provide a more appropriate option. When Jhye is not in his feeding chair, he is often on the floor, where he is uncomfortable, or confined to his bed, which isolates him from meaningful interactions with his family in the living room.We hope to secure a specialised chair for Jhye that will offer him the necessary postural support while also providing a comfortable space to relax during downtime. This chair will enable him to watch TV, interact with his family, and spend quality time with his little sister in a shared, inclusive environment.During a recent assessment, Jhye had the opportunity to try a Symmetrikit Tiltrite Chair. The visible joy and comfort he experienced during the trial highlighted the inadequacy of his current seating. This specialised chair offers exceptional postural support, comfort, and adjustability for individuals with complex needs, promoting better alignment, pressure relief, and independence.By providing Jhye with this chair, we can significantly improve his quality of life. He will no longer need to rely on his bed for comfort and can actively participate in family activities, fostering stronger emotional connections and a greater sense of inclusion.The total cost of the chair is £4,524. Any contribution, no matter how small, would be immensely appreciated and would bring us closer to making this life-changing support a reality for Jhye.

Image from Symmetrikit website

Ki Mobility Little Wave Flip XP Wheelchair for Mohamed:

We are currently seeking funding for Mohamed, a 4-year-old boy who is receiving treatment for leukemia. Mohamed also suffers from epilepsy, hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), dystonia, paralysis, and blindness.

Due to Mohamed's complex medical needs, he requires frequent hospital visits, both for routine appointments and emergency care.

Given his young age and medical conditions, carrying him is not practical, and he has recently been assessed for a specialised wheelchair.

His healthcare team has recommended the Ki Mobility Little Wave Flip XP, a paediatric wheelchair that would provide both comfort and ease of transport, making it ideal for Mohamed’s regular hospital trips.

The total cost for the wheelchair and necessary accessories is £9,505.83. While we recognise this is a substantial amount, any contribution you could make towards securing this essential equipment would be deeply appreciated.The Ki Mobility Little Wave Flip XP is specifically designed for young children, offering innovative features that enhance both comfort and functionality.

With TAPER LOK technology, the Ergo Folding Back allows for an effortless fold at the flip of a lever, making it compact and easy to transport.

Additionally, the chair's seat width, height, and depth can be adjusted easily to accommodate Mohamed's growth, while its anti-tip design remains engaged during movement over obstacles, even curbs.

The Little Wave Flip XP can also be personalised with over 500 colour combinations, coloured mag wheels, and designer spoke guards, adding a touch of individuality for Mohamed.

This lightweight, compact wheelchair offers various support options such as tilt-in-space seating, reclining functionality, and height-adjustable armrests to ensure both comfort and proper positioning for children with mobility needs. It can be easily folded for transport and storage, and it can be safely secured in vehicles—features that make it ideal for Mohamed’s frequent hospital journeys.

The cost of the Ki Mobility Little Wave Flip XP Wheelchair is £3,250.00.

The cost of the essential accessories is £5,755.83

Total Cost is £9,505.83

Frankie Sensory Garden Equipment:

We are seeking funding to create a sensory garden for a young child named Frankie, a four-year-old who was born prematurely and faces multiple challenges, including down syndrome, spinal Hyperextension, hyper-mobile joints, and lower muscle tone.

Frankies conditions mean she requires constant care and supervision. She struggles with basic motor skills and often experiences frustration and anger, leading to self-harm. Her occupational therapist has recommended a garden sensory area, which would be a safe and peaceful space where she can receive the sensory inputs that help to soothe and calm her.

The creation of this sensory garden will provide Frankie with a much-needed safe space where she can explore, learn and develop essential skills while managing her emotional and physical challenges. Each item has carefully selected to address her specific needs, offering her the opportunity to experience growth, joy, and a sense of calm in her daily life.

We kindly request your support in funding this project, which will make a significant difference in Frankie’s life, offering the tools she needs to thrive despite her challenges. Your contribution will bring a smile to her face and provide her with the resources she needs to grow and flourish.

The total cost for the specialised sensory equipment. which includes a bench planter, soft shapes house, bell flower, calming cocoon, wooden painting easel, mud kitchen, sandpit with cover, and a children’s bowling alley is £4,053.

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Horticultural Project for multiple Children:

We are currently seeking funding for a children’s horticultural project in Devon, which offers a unique opportunity for children, particularly those who are neurodiverse or have additional needs, to engage with nature, learn about plants, and participate in environmental sustainability. This inclusive initiative ensures that children facing physical, emotional, or social disadvantages can fully benefit from these experiences.

The project is based at a stunning rural site in South Devon, featuring a young woodland, a strawbale barn, and designated growing spaces, all set amidst rolling hills. The site is fully accessible, with ramped facilities, toilets, and showers, allowing children with mobility challenges to enjoy the environment. Beyond its beauty, the site is a hub for fostering biodiversity and promoting well-being.

A cornerstone of the project is “land and plant therapy”, which enables children to connect with nature, improve their emotional well-being, and cultivate a sense of responsibility for the environment. The site also includes an orchard of locally sourced fruit trees and community-growing spaces for herbs and dye plants, enriching the children's environmental education.The children benefiting from this project come from various areas across Devon and beyond, including Torquay, Paignton, Plymouth, and Exeter. By expanding its reach, the project aims to provide even more children with the therapeutic and educational benefits of gardening and nature.

Recently, we facilitated access to the site for wheelchair users by providing an all-terrain mobility scooter. We also supplied safe gardening tools tailored for children, further enhancing their participation.

Due to the project's success, it is expanding to accommodate a growing number of participants, creating an urgent need for additional resources to ensure all children can fully engage with the activities and enjoy its benefits.

We are seeking a total of £8,735 in funding to cover the following:

• Raised wooden growing beds to enable children to garden comfortably.

• Safe plastic gardening tools (trowels, forks, spades, watering cans).

• Small tool bags to organise equipment.

• Wellington boots for use in muddy conditions.

• A storage shed to keep tools and the mobility scooter secure and accessible.

The cost of these items is £5,258.

Additionally, we aim to refurbish a recently donated yurt to make it wheelchair-accessible and functional as a space for craft activities, day visits, and overnight stays. Positioned near a serene pond, the yurt will feature a wood-burning stove with a fire guard, creating a warm and welcoming environment.

The refurbishment costs are £3,477.

£2,500 has already been secured, leaving a shortfall of £6,235.The yurt will be positioned near a newly added pond, offering a serene environment for children and their families to relax, explore, and connect with nature. Measuring six meters in diameter, it will feature a wood- burning stove with a fire guard, providing a warm and welcoming space.

Hydrotherapy & Physiotherapy Sessions:

We have an ever-increasing list of children waiting for Hydrotherapy and Physiotherapy sessions to help them recover from various ailments, we constantly, have over 20 children on our waiting list.

Hydrotherapy is ideal for people with disabilities who have limited mobility or movement in parts of their body, or who have undergone surgery and need rehabilitation. Hydrotherapy is also necessary for children with cerebral palsy, for its ability to improve muscle strength with freedom of movement, but not limited to children with specific conditions, it is a way of exercising with less stress on the joints, bones, and muscles as in the water the body is buoyant and does not have to support its own weight. The pool is also set to a warm temperature of around 32-34 degrees to increase circulation, relax the muscles and decreases swelling, help with muscle spasms, and reduce or remove pain, including arthritis pain.

Physiotherapists work with children and their families to identify movement and functional difficulties. They aim to help the child to manage their physical symptoms and achieve functional mobility. They assess, treat, and advise on exercises and activities which the child can do with their family and in school.

Each Hydrotherapy Session or Physio Session costs £90.00,

Our aim is to help as many of these children as possible.

To provide 6 sessions for 1 child costs £540.00, 6 sessions for 10 children costs £5,400.00.

Any help you could provide will be greatly received

Bluebell Hydrotherapy Pool

Acheeva work stations, Eyegaze Systems and Sensory Equipment for Wilson Stuart Special Educational Needs (SEN) School in Erdington

With the generous donations and grants we received in 2023/24, we were able to provide crucial equipment to Wilson Stuart Special Educational Needs (SEN) School in Erdington, Birmingham. The school's outstanding facilities and dedicated staff deliver specialised programs tailored to each pupil's needs.

On July 7th, two Trustees and I visited the school. We were profoundly moved by the passion and dedication of the staff, who expressed heartfelt gratitude for the equipment we provided. The impact of our visit was heightened when we saw students using the items we had donated. In one classroom, students performed "Let It Go" from Frozen, a touching moment that made it clear how much our support means to them.

During our tour, we learned that the school still requires more Acheeva Learning Stations, Eyegaze systems, specialised seating, sensory equipment,

We are seeking funding for 2 Acheeva learning Stations, 1 Eyegaze System, 10 Specialised seats and Multiple Sensory Equipment

Item

Acheeva Learning Stations

Eyegaze Systems

Specialised Seating Solutions

Sensory Equipment

Quantity

2

1

10

5 Items

Unit Cost (£)

£7,509.60

£7,568.63

£250.00

£5,000.00

Total

Total (£)

£15,019.20

£17,568.63

£2,500.00

£5,000.00

£40,087.83

Your support will:

Improve the learning environment for children with complex needs.

Increase the school's capacity to provide personalised care.

Foster independence and social interaction among students.

Providing Respite & Holiday Breaks

A short break away is often key for the survival of family relationships during the roller-coaster ride of childhood illnesses, for this reason, we feel it is important to give families the quality time together that they need, away from hospitals, doctors, treatment, and stress.

Respite homes:

Our respite homes are situated at Haven's Golden Sands Holiday Park, Mablethorpe We can now provide respite breaks for between 90 and 100 families each year. The Park has amenities to suit all ages whether rain or shine, it is wheelchair friendly throughout and both are within proximity to all amenities. Our respite homes are well equipped with the following: wheelchair access ramp, hoist in main bedroom, adapted wet room, lowered work surfaces, lowered light switches and sockets, wheelchair access to each room, extra wide sliding doors, fully accessible throughout, central heating, double glazing, and external electric sockets for charging electric wheelchairs.  

The cost of running both homes this season (2024) is £19,919.00

This includes site fees and access passes so our families may use all amenities free of charge.

Holiday Home:

Our holiday home is situated at Butlins in Skegness. Owning this home also allows us to offer children and their families from underprivileged or poverty-stricken backgrounds to have a holiday they simply could not afford.

We often assist families with food, travel expenses and spending money to assist during their break.

We believe it is imperative for children in their situation to have a short holiday break away from the stress and trauma of their day-to-day living. We also firmly believe it is very important for children in these conditions have a chance to build lasting memories.

The cost of running the holiday home this season (2024) is £10,242.00

This includes site fees and access passes so families may use all amenities free of charge.

Toby Richardson

We are dedicated to supporting Toby until he turns 18 in March 2028, (at which point our charity's constitution requires us to conclude our assistance.)

Toby’s transformation from a life-changing diagnosis to becoming one of the world’s top junior wheelchair racers is truly inspiring. His goal is to represent Team GB at the 2028 Paralympic Games in Los Angeles.

To maintain Toby’s progress toward his dream, we are seeking funding for his costs throughout 2025.

This will cover vital training, equipment, and participation in international events, essential for his growth as an elite athlete.

Toby’s journey is not only about physical preparation but also mental resilience.

The fundung will cover daily training, travel to specialised camps, international competition participation, and necessary equipment upgrades.

These things are crucial for Toby to remain competitive and to improve his global ranking, with international exposure offering him the best opportunities to develop.

Toby's Requirements:

Enhanced Training:

Professional coaching will refine Toby’s skills, improve performance, and expand his abilities in events like Javelin, Shot Put, and Discus.

Access to elite training camps in Switzerland, Belgium, and the UK will provide top-tier coaching and competition.

Competitive Edge:Regular international camps and competitions will expose Toby to world-class athletes, challenging him to improve and stay at the forefront of his sport.

Mental & Physical Preparation:

Specialized equipment and coaching will ensure Toby is mentally and physically ready for each race, reducing injury risks and optimizing performance.

Time Sensitivity:

2025 is critical in Toby’s development as an athlete. The skills he hones now will be pivotal for his Paralympic success, making timely funding essential.

Detailed 2025 Budget:

Everyday Costs:

Fuel: £5,200.00

For travel to training and local competitions.

Personal Trainer: £3,360.00

Tailored training regimens for Toby’s needs.

Coach Fees: £600.00

Ongoing coaching essential for his development.

Athletics Membership: £25.00

Required for competition access.

Gym Membership: £420.00

Access to strength and conditioning facilities.

Total: £9,605.00

Event Costs:

Event Entry Fees: £750.00

Registration for races during the April-September season.

Switzerland Camp: £3,500.00

High-altitude training with specialized coaching.

Marcell Camp: £1,000.00

Advanced training and competition in Europe.

Belgium Camp: £2,000.00

Training with international competitors.

Monthly Coach Training: £2,400.00

Elite monthly training in Telford.

London Mini Marathon: £300.00

Key race for maintaining competitive edge.

Total: £9,950.00

One-Off Kit Costs:

Rear Tyres: £1,000.00

Front Tyres: £300.00

Helmet: £50.00

Garmin Speed O: £350.00

Rollers Cadis Sensor: £50.00

Heart Rate Sensor & Strap: £80.00

Total: £1,830

The Total Amount Required to Support Toby Throughout 2025: £21,385

With £7,500 already secured, we seek additional support to keep Toby on his path to success.

Conclusion

Your support in 2025 will not only empower Toby to compete at the highest levels but also invest in the future of a young athlete who embodies resilience and determination.

Together, we can help Toby achieve his Paralympic dream, inspiring others along the way.

Thank you for reading this. Your generosity could make a lasting impact on Toby’s journey.

** Latest **

Toby has been accepted on to the Welsh athletics performance pathway to represent Wales as part of team GB.

Toby’s decision to go with Wales is that they have offered him better support, structure and leadership compared to England.

In addition, It is also possible that on condition that Toby makes it to the next stage, which we all believe that that there is no doubt that he will, they will begin to help finace him if he gets podium in championship events.

Toby shared his great news on his Instagram.

Please follow this link to the Welsh athletics where you will find his name on the pathway

https://www.welshathletics.org/en/page/national-development-programme1

Toby now has his own website at www.tobyrichardson.uk

On behalf of Toby and his family, we thank you for all your support this year and we look forward to next season, it's going to be an amazing one!