I was recently asked by Variety Charity to describe how Olivia’s wheelchair has impacted her life. She was selected as one of the charitable recipients to appear in their Variety Newsletter, which is very exciting! Here is my Q&A below-

How is Olivia doing in her new wheelchair?

Olivia is thriving. Her quality of life has improved considerably. I had to knock on a lot of charity doors to raise enough money to fund this expensive chair. It was a real struggle to raise enough money. I hope in the future this is not so difficult for families to provide an appropriate electric wheelchair for their child. NHS should support families more.

What difference does it make for Olivia and her family to have this chair in her life?

Olivia attends school everyday with her chair. It is her only mode of movement around the classroom, playground, cafeteria and after school clubs. As a family, now we can all go out for family day trips to national trust parks, local playground, and travel on vacation with her chair. it offers her so much independence. She is not traveling in a buggy like a baby anymore. This alone is a massive improvement.

What does it enable her to do she was not able to do before?

Olivia could not use her legs before and now she is able to be independently mobile. there was nothing else available on the market. this was the only chair she could access due to her short limbs and short trunk. without charity support to fund this expensive chair, she would never have been able to acquire it.

          I hope this feedback helps with your event for future clients! There are many children in need.
          Mom