Give the Gift of Childhood

Right now, the wait for essential mobility equipment has never been longer. The Daily Express is supporting our urgent Childhood Can’t Wait campaign after we were forced to close our waiting list earlier this year.  

This year, Whizz Kidz are the beneficiary of The Daily Express’ annual Christmas Appeal. Every week, The Daily Express are sharing stories from the children, young people and families we support with their readers. 

Two of those children are four-year-old Jake and eight-year-old Amber. You can see the original piece in the Express here.

Meet Jake

Jake, who is often described as ‘cheeky’, spent two years waiting for an NHS wheelchair, which, when it arrived was too heavy for him to push. Whizz Kidz first provided a small, lightweight wheelchair for Jake, and back in August we then provided him with a more robust one.  

Jake is thought to be the only person in the world to live with both Duchenne muscular dystrophy and achondroplasia, a genetic disorder which causes dwarfism. Before we were able to provide Jake with a wheelchair, the only way he could move around was by rolling around on the floor.  

Since having his wheelchair, the world has opened up to Jake. He can go where he wants, when he wants, and crucially, without his parents having to carry him. He also takes his wheelchair with him to school.

The importance of the right fit

When Jake first got his wheelchair, he knew instinctively how to push it. The fact it was so lightweight meant he could whizz off straight away! 

Whizz Kidz engineers and mobility specialists have worked with Jake and his family to help make his wheelchair as light as possible. Recent adjustments to the seat and mudguards have made it even easier to push. 

Jake’s wheelchair has changed his life. We can’t wait to see what he goes on to achieve over the years! 

Meet Amber

Amber, who is eight years old, had a manual wheelchair before finding Whizz Kidz two years ago. She needed to make the transition to a powered chair, which the NHS weren't able to offer. 

Because she uses her chair at school and while dancing on stage, customisation was crucial for Amber. She’s opted for a gorgeous pink colour scheme, and added stickers and a purple seating cover.  

Her parents were keen that she was able to grow in independence as she got older, and her powered chair has been instrumental in making that happen.  

When she was asked about the impact of her new powered chair, Amber put it quite simply: 

Childhood Can't Wait

Time spent waiting for essential mobility equipment is time wasted, a childhood wasted. 

Young people should have the opportunity to explore the world alongside their peers, and to perform on stage if the spotlight calls! 

This Christmas, help us give the gift of childhood to children like Jake and Amber.