Photo: ‘Harrison with his new wheelchair provided by Whizz-Kidz’
An estimated 75,000 young people in the UK like Harri rely on a wheelchair in their day-to-day life, but sadly many of them are unable to access the right equipment for their needs. Thanks to support from appeals like this, Whizz-Kidz is able to provide young disabled people like Harrison with equipment tailored to their unique, individual needs, helping them stay active and mobile, increasing their confidence, aspiration and independence."
Whizz-Kidz was thrilled to be selected as a Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Lifeline Appeal beneficiary charity. Our appeal was broadcast in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic on Sunday 26th April and our presenter, Steph McGovern, brought our appeal to life, presenting from isolation in her own home, sharing the stories of three young people who each received support from Whizz-Kidz; McKenzie, Flo and Millie-Rose.
Putting together an appeal just as lockdown started presented some challenges! We had to adapt to swiftly changing guidance and strict limitations on what we could and couldn’t do but thanks to the team from the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ, and the families featured, we were able to produce a film that showcased the young people’s fantastic stories. We were absolutely blown away by the response we received from the appeal and are delighted to announce that it raised a fantastic £122,105 for Whizz-Kidz, enough to provide more than 30 children and young people with a life-changing piece of mobility equipment.
The funds raised from our appeal are helping children like Harrison who received his custom-made wheelchair just before lockdown.
Harri is a very active little boy who loves to play with other children, ride his bike, go camping and swimming. He has Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus which affect his spinal cord and brain and he relies on a wheelchair to get around.
His previous wheelchair left Harri feeling excluded, especially at school. He desperately wanted to be more active but his old wheelchair held him back. Living in the Welsh valleys, he found it difficult to get around, and his wheelchair would often tip over, leaving him frustrated and upset.
Thankfully, just before lockdown, Harrison received his brand new wheelchair which he absolutely loves. He gets excited taking it out for his daily walks with his Mum, Megan. He’s named it ‘Speedy’ and has already clocked up over 480 miles in it since lockdown!
Megan says: “It really has changed our lives. I honestly don’t know how we would have coped without it! He can’t wait to show off his new wheelchair to all his school friends now he’ll be able to keep up and play with them. I am looking forward to watching Harri socialise more now that he is able to and become a more active member of the school community.”
The funds raised from our Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Lifeline Appeal far exceeded our expectations, thanks to the overwhelming generosity of viewers. Following a discussion with the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ and its Appeals Advisory Committee, and considering the challenges Whizz-Kidz is facing due to the impact of Covid-19, it was kindly agreed to expand the use of the money raised to fund not only life-changing equipment, but to support the work of our team of expert Therapists and Engineers who assess children’s needs, identify the right wheelchair to give them maximum independence, and ensure it is completely tailored to their individual requirements. We are also very grateful that the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ have agreed for a portion of the funds to be designated for unrestricted use, ensuring that Whizz-Kidz can allocate donations where the need is greatest across our work, and continue to operate during these challenging times.
We want to say a huge thank you to everyone that tuned in and donated to the appeal, as well as our match funder Barratt Developments who matched the first £30,000 raised.
To find out more about Whizz-Kidz and the work we do supporting young wheelchair users, visit our website .