Latest Newlife News

WEST MIDS KIDS IN DESPERATE NEED OF DISABILITY EQUIPMENT

Newlife the Charity for Disabled Children is calling on local heroes to help raise money for 63 disabled and terminally ill children in the West Midlands who desperately need disability equipment.

Newlife needs to raise £42,895 for the urgently needed specialist equipment for all 63 children including beds, wheelchairs and buggies that will protect them from injury, reduce pain and enable them to do everyday tasks that most take for granted.

In the last year Newlife has helped 138 children in the region costing over £170,000 including twelve-year-old Anya Bhatti who received a specialist seat to prevent her from choking!  Anya has a rare genetic condition that’s caused her to lose all her skills, even the ability to hold up her own head and neck. The seat ensures Anya’s kept in the right position at all times.

Newlife also helped three-year-old Andjelko Jovanovic who sustained severe brain damage when he nearly drowned on a family holiday. Although Newlife quickly stepped in to provide an emergency loan of a buggy to help him attend hospital, he desperately needs a standing frame to support his recovery and rehabilitation.

Consultant nurse at Newlife, Karen Dobson, said: “One of the most heart-breaking parts of my job is when we have to say no to a child and family who are in desperate need of help because we simply don’t have the funds available.

“I know it’s hard to believe but the reality is that many of these children have already been refused essential equipment by their local health services. That is why they have turned to us, but unfortunately we haven’t got the funds to help them right now.”

There are one million disabled children in Great Britain and as the largest charity providing essential disability equipment in the UK, Newlife receives hundreds of calls each week from families, up to 70 a day, who have been refused the help they need by their local health services.

The charity needs help from the local community to raise the funds to help Andjelko and other disabled and terminally ill children in The West Midlands – we can’t do it without your help. Every penny you give will genuinely be used to save and change young lives in your county.”

Newlife’s Head of Charity Operations, Stephen Morgan, said: “Across the UK, disabled and terminally ill children suffer avoidable pain and worsening conditions when they can’t get the right equipment at the right time – no child should have to endure this.

You can make a donation by visiting the website www.newlifecharity.co.uk/westmidlands or by calling the Newlife fundraising team on 0800 988 4640. 100 per cent of money raised will be used to help a child in need in your county.