Himalayan Challenge
For
Whizz-Kidz
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The
desire to have independence is within all of us.
For most
of us that independence comes relatively easily.
Not so
for disabled children who can become depressed and withdrawn as they develop
reliance on others to assist them.
As these
children receive from Whizz-Kidz the equipment especially
tailored to suit their needs, there is an instant change in their lives.
They gain
self-worth and can finally, and simply, be
themselves…
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Just a few
of the Whizz-Kidz children…
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The photo shows Hannah on the Co-Pilot trike that Whizz-Kidz provided
for her in July 2003. She lives in Having the specially adapted trike has meant that Hannah can join in with the rest of
the family and it has made her life so much better. |
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The children are assessed for their
clinical, educational and social needs by qualified Mobility Therapists, who work closely with
the families. This means the children receive the right equipment… |
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Whizz-Kidz provided Theas
with this powered wheelchair, so that she and her family could enjoy more
freedom together and Theas herself could gain the
independence all children need. She is a lively girl who can walk only short
distances and gets tired very easily. Now, Theas and her
family can go into town, or out for long walks in the surrounding area. She
can do so much now without having an adult present. She can join in at
playtime and enjoy country dancing at school. |
Theas |
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Equipment training is also provided. This
shows the children how they can gain fun, as well as independence and vital
safety… |
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Emily |
Emily was
‘chuffed to bits’, according to her Dad, when she received her Permobil Koala powered wheelchair in March 2002. She was
seven at the time. She could
play ‘follow my leader’ and could at last properly become part of her class.
As soon as she got her wheelchair, she joined her family’s Easter egg hunt
and could look for eggs herself. Her family
now feels that her future is full of possibilities. |
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There are Mobility Centres in |
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In March, 2003, Tom was able to become a
typical nine year old boy when Whizz-Kidz
funded his Permobil Extra powered wheelchair. His Mobility Therapist set him a
user-training schedule so that he could gradually learn skills in a safe
environment. The wheelchair was also set up with speed restrictions
appropriate to Tom’s capabilities. His Mum said that he can now go wherever he
wishes, with or without parental consent! And he never stops. He has been to school
summer camp, competed in sports day, and played rounders,
football and cricket with his friends. He is now an active young man with a whole
new world in front of him. |
Tom |
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£5,900 is the average cost of customised mobility equipment. £2,500 is the cost of providing a full programme of training. £250 is the daily cost of running a regional mobility centre
offering information and advice. |
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Beatrix |
Before
she was five, Beatrix had had a bone marrow
transplant, had been struck by a life-threatening virus and battled through a
coma. As a
result she cannot sit, crawl or stand unaided. She communicates using only
her face and eyes. She now
has a powered wheelchair that has enabled her to be independent, and, most
importantly, it has given her the chance to grow into a happy, confident
little girl. When she
won a village sports day race with her family, she just laughed with pure
joy. |
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Sam is a keen athlete, but has Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus. She was first provided
with a sports wheelchair in 1999. Her wheelchair is good for both indoor and
outdoor sport and Sam uses it for ‘every day’ use also. She has become very confident, tackling school
sports day, wheelchair basketball games, weekly athletic sessions and
non-contact boxing. Her co-ordination and fitness have increased
and she has made lots of friends. Whizz-Kidz has given Sam much more than just a
wheelchair. She has gained independence and a more positive outlook for the
future. |
Sam |
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Owen |
Owen is
unable to walk, as a result of a condition called transverse Myelitis, which he developed when he was two. Whizz-Kidz provided him with a
powered wheelchair that has specialised seating. This has
meant that he no longer gets left behind by his friends. He can play outside
and join in with them, and he can chase round after his remote control car. He can
also join in at playtime and do PE at school. The
wheelchair has a riser too, so that Owen can look out of the window and he is
able to sit at the table to play. He can go to the shops with his Mum and
help her carry the bags home. |
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Whizz-Kidz collaborates with other agencies,
charities, local communities and parents, and they intend to step up the
pressure on Government to recognise the issues involved, whilst continuing to
provide essential equipment and training. Their aim is to help every disabled child in
the Back
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