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SHANNON ABLE TO STAND AND PLAY THANKS TO CHARITY

After a road traffic accident two years ago 14-year-old Shannon Folena, from Haverfordwest in Pembrokeshire, was left with a brain injury and wheelchair bound. Thanks to the charity Newlife Foundation for Disabled Children, Shannon now has a standing frame that allows her to do things again that many of us take for granted.

Shannon is unable to walk and for the first two years after the accident she couldn’t eat. Other than her bed, Shannon would sit in her wheelchair all day which was not good for her posture. She needed a standing frame that would help her continue progressing in rehabilitation, while allowing her to gain more independence.

The standing frame was provided through a Newlife grant service which takes redundant disability equipment and refurbishes it to meet national standards before offering it on a first come, first served basis.

Mum Fiona Folena said: “I heard about Newlifeable through Shannon’s rehabilitation centre. Shannon had outgrown her previous standing frame and was not using any equipment to stand. She would be stuck in her wheelchair for most of the day. Shannon was using a standing frame at the rehabilitation centre and had made such good progress – it was essential for her to have one at home.”

With no provision available locally, Shannon’s family turned to Newlife – the UK’s largest charity provider of specialist equipment for children with disabilities and terminal illness.

The standing frame helps strengthen Shannon’s muscles, improves bone density and supports digestion and circulation.

Fiona added: “It’s lovely to see Shannon doing things she enjoys again; she uses the standing frame often. She loves to stand and use her legs, it’s also made it easier for her to play with her toys. Not only does it help her posture it also gives her a different level to be on. We can’t thank Newlife, enough it’s made a big difference.”

Newlife has provided £15,305 of specialist equipment for 15 children with disabilities and terminal illness in Pembrokeshire. If you think you could donate or fundraise to help a local child, like Shannon, go to: www.newlifecharity.co.uk/Pembrokeshire. Alternatively contact the Newlife County Liaison Team on 01543 431 444 or email local@newlifecharity.co.uk.

To contact the Newlife Nurse Helpline, call 0800 902 0095 (free from UK landlines and mobiles) or email nurse@newlifecharity.co.uk.

Pictured: Shannon Folena

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