AFTER mum Shona Elliott spent months lobbying local statutory services for a specialist buggy so she could get her young son out and about, she turned in desperation to Newlife – and the equipment was delivered just 48 hours later.
One-year-old Harry has a life-limiting condition that affects his development and movement.
He has cerebral palsy and experiences several seizures a day.
His parents were using a standard pushchair to get him to essential medical appointments, but because they had to prop him up with pillows and cushions – and he still sat awkwardly – they were reluctant to take him out.
Shona said: “Getting the specialist buggy has been revolutionary for us.
“It has a pommel and under-arm supports as well as a lot of additional padding to keep Harry upright and posturally comfortable.
“He loves it and is so much happier because he doesn’t have to concentrate on sitting so he can interact more with the world around him.
“The seat swivels to face me when I am pushing him so that when I take him out on his own I can monitor him more easily.”
Due to Harry’s complex condition, good postural support is essential to help prevent further health issues.
Shona added: “It is important to us that he has the best quality of life possible.
“We like to get Harry out as often as we can – but we also have the appropriate weather-proofing for the buggy so we’re not prevented from going out, whatever the weather.”
The buggy was provided through Newlife’s Emergency Equipment Loans service for children with unstable, life-threatening or life-limiting illness and to help those who face injury due to the absence of appropriate equipment.
The service aims to deliver and install equipment within 72 hours.
Newlife supports families through a range of free services including: nurse-staffed helpline; equipment grants; emergency equipment loans; sensory and developmental toy ‘pod’ loans; and Comfort Capsules.
Tel. 0800 902 0095 or 01543 468 400.
email nurses@newlifecharity.co.uk
