Charity Community Local News

Simplyhealth funding helps young wheelchair users with valuable equipment

A donation from Simplyhealth, the UK’s leading health solutions company, is helping more young wheelchair users in the UK gain independence, sponsoring their mobility equipment through the charity Whizz-Kidz.

Whizz-Kidz is the UK’s leading charity for young wheelchair users, empowering by providing the wheelchair equipment, support and confidence-building experiences they need, while also campaigning for a more inclusive society.

It is estimated 75,000 young people in the UK need a wheelchair to be mobile and most aren’t getting a chair that meets their needs through local services. Simplyhealth’s donation will support around 15 young people to experience the life-changing impact that having the right wheelchair brings, empowering them to enjoy fun, freedom and independence. WhizzKidz support around 1,000 children and young people each year with vital mobility equipment and aim to double this by 2025.

“We are delighted that Simplyhealth has so generously supported Whizz-Kidz with a £45,000 donation, demonstrating their commitment to supporting young wheelchair users across the UK. This kind donation will have a huge impact, helping us to provide the equipment and support young people need so that they can be mobile, enabled and included,” says Matt Wynes Director of Fundraising and Communications.

Besides supporting with equipment, Whizz-Kidz also supports young people’s families and offers a range of activity programmes, wheelchair skills training and employability programmes to support young people under 18 to become confident and supporting their journey to being independent young adults.

One of those was 2-year-old Charlotte, who was unable to get up from the floor due to her health conditions which include spina bifida and hip dyspraxia. Her parents, found WhizzKidz’ website, which changed their family’s life.

“Charlotte previously spent most of her life in a small space on the floor at home, but now we can put her in a wheelchair and it’s absolutely life-changing for her and us. It’s so lovely to see her play. I wouldn’t like to think about what her life would be like if we hadn’t been able to get her wheelchair from Whizz-Kidz,” her mum Jessica said.

Supporting local causes and building healthier communities is at the heart of Simplyhealth’s purpose of improving access to healthcare.  Reinvesting up to ten per cent of its pre-tax profits into charitable causes every year, Simplyhealth provides financial and volunteer support to large and small causes around the country who share their values.

“We are proud to play our part in helping a charity like Whizz-Kidz continue their hard work.  The funding enables more young people around the UK to get the right mobility equipment helping them and their families to live more free and independent lives,” Wendy Cummins, Community Manager at Simplyhealth said.

To find out more about Whizz-Kidz and how you can support them or access their services, visit www.whizz-kidz.org.uk