Simplyhealth has donated £42,500 to the Wizzybug Loan scheme run by Bath based charity Designability, helping to fund an additional ten Wizzybug powered wheelchairs that are specifically designed for children under five.
This project gives children with a disability the ability to independently explore their surroundings and play more easily with their friends.
Henry was diagnosed with Type 2 Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) when he was 13 months old.
SMA is a rare, genetic disease that causes muscle weakness and progressive loss of movement.
It means that he is unable to roll, crawl, stand or walk. Now Henry has a Wizzybug he can use it at nursery, on day trips in the UK and even on abroad on holiday.
Henry’s mum, Claire, feels that it has made a dramatic difference to Henry’s quality of life.
She said: “It has enabled Henry to find his freedom. For the first time he is able to choose where he goes and explore the world in his own way.”
Fiona Cromwell, Marketing and Fundraising Officer at Designability, said: “Designability is incredibly grateful for the generous support from the great team at Simplyhealth.
“This money will give children as young as 18 months the opportunity to experience their first wheels and this kind of donation enables us to loan them to more families for free.”
Mark Hamson, chairman of the Simplyhealth Charitable Committee, said: “We’re delighted to be supporting the Wizzybug Loan Scheme which enables children, like Henry, to be adventurous, playful and free.
“It’s important to focus on ability rather than a disability which is why it’s great to support a scheme which enables independence every day.”
Those wanting to find out more about the Wizzybug Loan Scheme should visit www.wizzybug.org.uk or call Designability on 01225 824103.
