A new seat for his hi-tech wheelchair means nine-year-old Cheltenham boy Daniel Morgan will be able to continue to use the equipment that gives him independence.
Daniel, from Charlton Kings, has outgrown the seat of his specialist wheelchair which was part-funded by Newlife Foundation for Disabled Children back in 2011. With no funding available from local statutory services to provide a new seating unit, the family looked once again to Newlife for help. Newlife is the UK’s largest charity provider of specialist equipment for children with disabilities and terminal illness.
Daniel has Quadriplegic Cerebral Palsy which affects his limbs. Able to walk only short distances, he uses a wheelchair for much of his mobility. He has a manual wheelchair for use at Leckhampton Primary School, but to get out and about with his family he enjoys being in his hi-tech powered chair which means he doesn’t have to rely on other people pushing him. And looking ahead to secondary school in a couple of years, the powered wheelchair will be vital; it has a riser facility so Daniel will be able to sit at different levels according to the needs of his classroom subjects (e.g. science laboratory workstations).
Mum Helen Morgan said: “Daniel was five when he had his powered wheelchair and now he is nearly ten, so it’s not surprising he has outgrown the seat – his knees are right up in front of his chest. For children like Daniel it is important that they sit correctly to help prevent further health problems.”
Daniel underwent an operation in America to help improve his walking skills so he can get around the house with limited support. However, he is still not able to walk more than short distances.
Helen added: “The wheelchair is brilliant because it has given him independence. The mechanics of it are still fine, so what we needed was a new, larger seat so Daniel can continue to make the most of the equipment.”
Newlife has stepped in to secure the new £658 seating unit – the charity has provided equipment totalling £142,951 for 120 children in Gloucestershire.
Newlife is currently working with a further three families in the county with combined equipment needs of £9,965. If you would like to find out how you could help other children in Gloucestershire like Daniel – or just want more information about Newlife Foundation – go to: www.newlifecharity.co.uk/gloucestershire.
Alternatively, contact the Newlife County Liaison Team on 01543 431 444, email local@newlifecharity.co.uk.
Newlife guarantees that 100 per cent of monies donated or fundraised in Gloucestershire will be used to specifically help children with disabilities and terminal illness in the county.
Pictured: Daniel Morgan
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