News &
Events
Fast Forward hits Parliament
July 19th, 2011
Last month, Whizz-Kidz Ambassador George made a speech at the House of Commons to make the case for wheelchair reform helping to launch a report titled ‘My wheelchair is my shoes’. The report was produced by the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Paediatric Mobility Reform which is sponsored by Whizz-Kidz.
The report was compiled from evidence given by experts on NHS wheelchair provision at a series of hearings in Parliament, but also draws on comments left on the Fast Forward petition by young people and families who have experienced difficulties accessing the right equipment from their local NHS wheelchair service.
As the campaign grows in support and awareness, it is exciting to have the issues of wheelchair reform discussed in Parliament. Chair of the APPG, Greg Mullholland MP even raised the question of wheelchair reform to David Cameron in Prime Minister’s Questions in June!
Please continue to do all you can; spread the petition and ask everyone you know to support every young person to access the right wheelchairs for them, at the right time.
Hot off the press:
Today, 19 July 2011, Health Secretary Andrew Lansley announced that as of April 2012, Wheelchair Services for children is one of eight key areas where patients will be able to choose the provider best-placed to meet their individual needs; which will include voluntary organisations such as Whizz-Kidz delivering services. This is a real step forward in recognising the expertise and quality of wheelchair and mobility provision outside of (and in partnership with) the NHS.
Paralympian swimmer Fran Williamson backs Fast Forward
June 1st, 2011
Fran pledges her support for Fast Forward in this video. As a sometime wheelchair-user, Paralympic swimmer Fran Williamson knows having the right equipment gives young people ambition, drive and independence to achieve anything! In her 10 years of representing GB, she has racked up an impressive array of medals, including 12-world championship and 6 Paralympic medals.
Actor David Proud backs Fast Forward
May 5th, 2011
Eastenders and Desperados actor – and independent film maker – David Proud, has leant his support to Whizz-Kidz and backed our Fast Forward campaign.
Whilst spending a day with young people at Camp Whizz-Kidz in Kent last month, David said, “Getting my first lightweight wheelchair made the world of difference to me – and my independence. But 70,000 young people are still waiting for this basic first start to get their lives moving. This isn’t acceptable – please sign the petition and share it with your friends on Twitter and Facebook.”
Phil Packer backs Fast Forward
April 13th, 2011
Iraq war veteran and prolific fundraiser Phil Packer, who suffered severe spinal cord injuries in 2008, is the latest supporter of Fast Forward.
He said today, “I was devastated when told of my injuries; I know first-hand that the process of gaining wheelchair services must be quicker and easier. That’s why I’m supporting Whizz-Kidz & their Fast Forward campaign to reform wheelchair services for young people.”
Sir Philip Craven MBE backs Fast Forward
April 13th, 2011
Sir Philip Craven MBE, President of the International Paralympic Committee, is one of the many who have already signed the Fast Forward petition.
Sir Philip said: “I am proud to support the Fast Forward campaign. Whether it is playing sports, excelling at school or going out with friends, the independence and confidence the right wheelchair gives children is one of the keys for them reaching their full potential in life and having fun. This is why wheelchair services for children must be reformed so no child is kept waiting. I hope the petition will reach far and wide.”
