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BUGGY BOOST FOR LITTLE WILLIAM, AGED THREE

Fabulous fundraisers in Derbyshire are helping a three-year-old with a rare condition get the specialist equipment he needs to be out and about in his local community.

Little William Ashington, from Ashbourne, has Bilateral Fibular Hemimelia Type 2, which means he has no fibula bones in his legs and his muscles and ligaments are also affected.

Mum Philomene Ashington said: “We live in a rural area and have the Peak District on our doorstep, which we love to explore as a family. We have been aware for a while now that William really needs a specialist buggy to enable us to enjoy this to its full potential. The standard equipment we have at the moment acts as a bit of a bone-shaker for William and because it has no leg supports his limbs rub on the seat, causing pressure sores, and puts extra strain on his knees. His standard buggy is fine for short trips, like to the local shop, but not suitable for longer outings.”

With the specialist equipment William needs not available through local statutory services, Elizabeth and her husband turned to leading UK children’s disability charity Newlife Foundation for help. Newlife has provided £186,000 of specialist equipment for disabled and terminally ill children in Derbyshire.

Newlife is currently the charity partner of Central England Co-operative; since May 2012 colleagues and customers have raised more than £670,000 to help provide specialist equipment for disabled and terminally ill children in their retail area. To date, this has funded 297 items of equipment, with the latest grant awarded to William.

Philomene said: “We wouldn’t be able to fund this equipment ourselves and it has been a lovely surprise to have our application approved so quickly, especially when it is often so difficult to source equipment and support for children with additional needs like William. This buggy will make a big difference to our family and particularly to William who will be able to go out so much more now we know he will be comfortable.”

Andy Ball, manager of the Central England Co-operative supermarket in the Shawcroft Centre, Ashbourne, said: “As a regional retailer we always ensure that our staff-elected charity supports people in need in our trading area. We are delighted to have been able to help William and his family in this way.”

For full details of Newlife Foundation’s range of practical support for disabled and terminally ill children and their families, call the Newlife Nurse Helpline – 0800 902 0095 (free from UK landlines) – or go to:

https://newlifecharity.co.uk

Pictured: William Ashington.

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