The Right Chair Makes a Real Difference
Summer's story
We have teamed up with The Express for Christmas, who are generously supporting our Childhood Can’t Wait appeal.
For the past month, they have been sharing the stories of children, young people and families we support with their readers to give them the opportunity to hear from the most important voices.
One of those children is nine year old Summer. You can read the original piece in The Express here.
Summer
Summer’s wheelchair not only helps to support her active lifestyle, by giving her the freedom to explore and experience the world, but it is also essential for her physical health.
Summer was born with a very rare genetic disorder called HERC1, which means she has a profound learning disability, and is unable to walk or talk. She needs support with every aspect of daily life. Additionally, her condition puts her at risk of scoliosis. Summer and her parents have worked hard with physiotherapists to keep her spine healthy, but a standard issue wheelchair would risk reversing all that hard work.
Despite the challenges she faces, Summer is bright, curious and full of energy.
Summer is currently waiting for a wheelchair from Whizz Kidz to fit her unique needs and crucially, protect her spine. While she waits, she is using an emergency rental wheelchair from a charity, certainly not designed to be used long term – especially by someone as unique as Summer.
Her chair is her legs. It’s her only way of getting about and she spends most of her day in her chair.
Larissa, Summer's Mum
Childhood Can't Wait
The right wheelchair makes a real difference. For Summer, when she receives her wheelchair from Whizz Kidz, it will mean daily comfort, and safety. It’ll mean the opportunity to join in with so much more. It’ll mean salvaging precious days of her childhood, when she’s already lost so many due to ill-fitting equipment. Her family will be able to relax, knowing that her risk is so greatly reduced.
Comfort can’t wait. Safety can’t wait. Childhood Can’t Wait.