BIG-HEARTED Ade Adepitan loves helping and inspiring people.
Now the TV presenter and Paralympian wheelchair basketballer is backing easyJet’s Change for Good summer collection, which aims to raise vital funds for Unicef’s fight against polio.
Tying in with Unicef’s Children in Danger Summer Disease Appeal, Ade tells his personal story in a short film. Ade contracted polio as a child, which resulted in him losing the use of his left leg.
“As someone who contracted polio as a child, I understand first-hand how devastating this disease can be.
“I was born in Lagos, Nigeria, and contracted the disease at just 15 months old. It caused paralysis in the left side of my body and left me unable to use my left leg.
“As a result, my parents realised it would be too hard to bring up a disabled child in Nigeria and saved up to bring us over to the UK.
“At the time, they couldn’t afford to bring my sister, so in effect it not only left me disabled, but broke up my family as I didn’t see her again for 10 years.
“I want to make sure no other child has to go through this.
“I am urging everyone who flies with easyJet over the summer to donate generously. By donating your change, in any currency, to Unicef on-board a flight, you can help us keep more children safe from polio.”
Carolyn McCall, easyJet’s chief executive, said: “We’re so grateful for Ade’s support. His story shows just how important it is to fight polio.”
Although there is no cure for polio, there is a safe and effective vaccine.
Three doses of polio vaccine can give a lifetime of immunity, meaning it costs as little as 27p to protect a child forever.
Since 2012, easyJet has helped Unicef vaccinate 2 million children against polio. Watch Ade’s video here: http://youtu.be/C8Sx13rJZcc
