Thanks to the charity Newlife Foundation for Disabled Children soon to be mum Jennie Osborn from Dagenham will now be able to take out her three-year-old son Jake who has a genetic condition in a specialist double buggy that will allow her to transport Jake and his new-born sibling while catering to Jake’s health needs.
Jake Osborn’s condition is undiagnosed however it has resulted in him having epilepsy, global developmental delay and has left him visually impaired. He has been using a specialist buggy provided by Wheelchair Services but with a new baby on the way Jennie needed a buggy that could carry them both while giving Jake the support he needs to be kept safe and comfy.
The buggy was provided through Newlifeable a service which takes redundant disability equipment and recycles and refurbishes it to meet national standards before offering it – on a first come, first served basis.
Mum Jennie Osborn said: “I heard about Newlifeable through a Facebook group I am following, this was the only double buggy I could find that would give Jake all the support he needs and carry a new-born at the same time. The new baby is due in four weeks and I will not have to worry about Jakes support because I know he will be kept safe while we are out and about and so will the new baby”
With no provision available locally, Jake’s family turned to Newlife for help. Newlife is the UK’s largest charity provider of specialist equipment for children with disabilities and terminal illness.
Without the buggy from Newlifeable the family would have become socially isolated, getting to and from appointments with Jake and a new-born would have been very difficult. The buggy has come just in time as the new addition to the family is due in August, giving Jennie and Jake some time to get used to their new equipment.
Jennie added: “I do not drive so pushing him in his old buggy had become challenging especially with me being pregnant, there was no way I would be able to transport them both – but that’s all changed with the new buggy, now I am ready for our new addition and my mind has been put at ease because I will not have to struggle when going out with them both.”
Newlife Head of Operations Stephen Morgan said: “The number of children in need around the UK is rising but the budgets set for provision through statutory services are declining at local levels. So new and innovative ways must be found to make provision and it is simply a waste of resources for organisation’s to hold equipment they don’t need. Newlifeable demonstrates the importance of getting this equipment back into circulation nationally.”
Newlifeable is one of several free equipment services offered by the charity. Equipment Grants fund permanent provision of a wide range of aids ranging from wheelchairs and walking frames for mobility to specialist beds and car seats for safety; Emergency Equipment Loans provide a quick response for children with unstable life-threatening or life-limiting illness and to help those who face injury due to the absence of appropriate equipment; Play Therapy Pod loans of sensory toys aid the development of those with complex needs; Comfort Capsules help families of terminally ill children make memories. For details of all services go to: www.newlifecharity.co.uk or call the Newlife Nurse Helpline on 0800 902 0095 (free from UK landlines and mobiles).
Newlife has helped 798 children in Greater London, with equipment amounting over £100,000,000. However, the charity is currently working with a further 73 families, with equipment needs of £81,376. If you would like to help a child in the county, go to: www.newlifecharity.co.uk/Greater London for more details. Alternatively, call our County Liaison Team on 01543 431 444 or email local@newlifecharity.co.uk.
Pictured: Jake Osbourn
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