A disabled children’s charity is urgently calling on individuals, groups and businesses in Merseyside to raise desperately needed money to help children in the region deprived of life changing specialist equipment.

Newlife is the UK’s largest charity providing specialist equipment to disabled and terminally ill children, helping to reduce the pain and suffering of thousands every year.

Ian Fraser, Head of Fundraising for Newlife said: “Latest figures show there are now over 125,000 disabled children across the North West, 15 per cent more than the last year.

“More demand for specialist support and equipment is putting extreme pressure on an already struggling NHS.  A growing number of families have no choice but to turn to charities like Newlife because their local health or social care services refuse to help or have to endure unbearably long waiting times.

Five-year-old Maisie Reynolds, who has Cerebral Palsy, is one of those children.

It was too painful for Maisie to use the chair given to her by Knowsley Council, but without a suitable alternative her spine was curving out of shape, leaving her facing surgery to straighten it with metal rods.

Now a £2,085 specialist seat from Newlife is helping to keep Maisie’s spine straight, while keeping her supported, upright and able to play with her brothers Harry, six and ten-month old Bobbi.

Dad Marc Reynolds said: “When Maisie was born we didn’t know anything about having a disabled child. We were in the dark, we thought there would be a lot of help for us from the hospital and our local council. We soon realised this wasn’t the case and we need to be really pro-active to get Maisie the help she needs. This is why charities like Newlife are so important.”

Ian Fraser continues: “We’re calling on individuals, groups and businesses in Merseyside to help children like Maisie so we can give them the specialist equipment they need and that has life changing impact.”

Right now Newlife has applications in from more than 18 families in Merseyside desperate for disability equipment for their children and needs to raise almost £20,000 just to help them.

Ian added: “It’s heart-breaking, without enough funds we simply can’t help every child. With new applications coming in every day we’re calling on kind hearted individuals, community groups and businesses to help us help the growing numbers of disabled children in Merseyside.

“Fundraising for Newlife is simple. We have a dedicated team who’ll support you with ideas as well as providing the practical things you need to make your fundraising activities a success.

“So, whether you want to climb a mountain, take on a personal challenge, or simply bake some cakes – we’d love to hear from you.”

However you fundraise, Newlife can guarantee that 100% of the funds raised will be used to fund equipment for disabled children in desperate need. You could help a child just like Maisie.

For more information about Fundraising for Newlife in Merseyside contact Jane Harries, Newlife’s Regional Fundraising and Awareness Manager for the North West on 07494 490561. Alternatively, DONATE  via the website or contact Suzie or a member of the Fundraising team on 01543 462777.