Keeping little Katey Kanel safe while she travels in the family car to and from numerous hospital appointments or on school trips is a priority as she has a significant seizure disorder.
The family from Winchester in Hampshire turned to leading UK children’s disability charity Newlife Foundation for help with providing Katey with the specialist car seat she needs, as the high street model they have been using doesn’t keep the four-year-old appropriately positioned – which means she runs the risk of choking if she has a seizure while travelling.
Katey has a rare chromosome abnormality and epilepsy with recurrent uncontrolled seizures; she is prescribed multiple anticonvulsants and rescue medication. Katey has numerous hospital admissions and continues to have further investigations.
Newlife Foundation funded £811 towards the £861 cost of the specialist car seat with the family providing a £50 contribution. Recognising the family’s urgent need, Newlife has fast-tracked their application and they will soon be taking delivery.
The car seat will help support Katey properly, keeping her secure and in the correct position, thanks to a five point harness. The seat also has a tilt, allowing her to sleep following seizure activity while keeping her airways clear, and a swivel base to help her parents manoeuvre Katey in and out of the seat safely.
Mum Laura Kanel said: “Katey can be quite poorly during and after seizures and an ordinary car seat doesn’t provide the support needed. We knew we needed something much more supportive for her. It will make a huge difference for Katey to be safe and the swivel seat will also make it easier for me to get her in and out of the seat as she is getting quite big now.”
Increased demands on the charity’s resources mean Newlife is appealing to ‘local heroes’ to come forward to donate or fundraise to help disabled and terminally ill children in their areas. Newlife is currently working with another six families in Hampshire, with equipment needs totalling £5,616.
The charity guarantees that 100 per cent of all monies donated or fundraised in Hampshire can be ring-fenced to specifically provide equipment for disabled and terminally ill children within the county. If you think you could help, the Newlife Community Fundraising Team can be contacted on freephone 0800 988 4640. Any individual or organisation thinking of running a fundraising event is asked to contact the team, who can offer support and guidance.
Pictured: Katey Kanel
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