Bath-based charity Designability has launched a fundraising appeal to give the gift of mobility to disabled children this Christmas, as part of the Wizzybug wheelchair scheme.
Bobby with his Wizzybug wheelchair | Photo courtesy of Designability
The fun and friendly powered wheelchairs are suitable for children from 14 months upwards, until they reach a maximum weight of 20kg.
They are made available to families across the UK through a free loan scheme funded through donations from individuals, groups and organisations.
For children like Bobby, a Wizzybug has made a world of difference to him and his family.
When Bobby was six months old, his parents noticed he wasn’t putting on weight on his legs. Shortly afterwards, he was diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) Type 2.
Bobby’s mum said: “His muscles were wasting away while he wasn’t on treatment, and we didn’t know! We blamed ourselves, so it was a very hard time.
“We just didn’t know what sort of life Bobby would have – that was the scary part.”
Bobby got his Wizzybug when he was two. Without it, he would still be waiting for an NHS wheelchair.
Bobby’s dad added: “Once he started driving Wizzybug, there was no stopping him. There was no fear in him – he was so happy.”
Now six years old, Bobby is thriving. He is doing well at school, has earned himself the title of ‘chatterbox’, and is the youngest player on his wheelchair football team.
He’s still too young to play any league matches but already considers himself a striker and looks forward to a future in the sport.
His parents credit the Wizzybug for his progress: “Without it, I don’t know where Bobby would be – physically, socially or emotionally.”
This Christmas, donations to the appeal will be doubled by HandSpark Charitable Trust; so for every £1 given, they will match the amount up to a total of £25,000, until 27th December 2024.
To donate to the Christmas appeal and to find out more about Designability and the Wizzybug wheelchairs, visit https://designability.org.uk/support-us/donate/christmas-appeal-2024/.
