News & Forthcoming Events
|
|
|
Last Update: 02.08.20 During 2020, the details of our work are: 39 Grants completed to date Our Activity in Recent Years:
|
£48,261.61 |
We have seen an increase in the number of smaller grants in the last few years. In 2019 our analysis showed that 53.6% of our grants (by number) required only 25% of our funding. With the steady expansion of our contact base, we are now helping more families with small items which make a big difference to the problems they face.
News about the Charity:
With completion of the 11th Grant in 2019 we reached the major milestone of £750,000 raised and granted without taking a single penny from the Charity in administration costs. Everything donated was used for the benefit of the children. This has occurred only two years (almost to the day) from completion of the previous milestone of £500,000 raised and granted. While we hope to target our next big milestone by 2021, we are increasingly limited by the funding we can raise, especially this year with the impact of COVID 19 on the suspension of so many fundraising activities. We shall be more dependent than ever on the wonderful help we receive from our supporters.
We never anticipated the rate of growth we have seen, or the amount already granted when we started. Sadly this clearly highlights how serious the problems are in this area and how much help is needed.
Donations:
There are full details on our Donation Page of the various methods of making a donation to us, as well as the Everyclick Donation button (centre of the Donation Page), which allows an online donation to be made quickly by Credit or Debit card.
Current and Future Events in 2020:
Stourbridge Golf Club collected £2,147.60 for us during the previous Captain's period of office, which we received in early March, and which was greatly appreciated, as although 2020 has started quietly, both applications and application enquiries have suddenly risen sharply as we enter March, and continued since then.
We also received a Funeral Collection, which was a very kind gesture from the family, and which raised £150.00. Contact was made with the Undertaker, who showed some interest in the work of the Charity, raising the possibility of occasional additional collections when families are looking for suggestions for a local Children's charity.
We have also received the third payment, of a three year programme, from the Barbara Ward Children's Foundation (£5,000.00), a donation from the Geoff Hill Charitable Trust (£500.00), who are local to us, and HMRC responded quickly to our Gift Aid claim which was submitted on 6th April, and we received £4,831.14. This funding has helped to offset recent requests for help, which exceeded £5,000 in the third week of April. We also received the proceeds of a table collection from Newfields Masonic Lodge (£110.00), and a purchase commissions payment of £39.00 from Everyclick. We are starting to generate some commission from our registration with Amazon Smile (Smile.Amazon.co.uk), but we were advised that we have not yet reached the threshold for payment at the end of Q1 (not surprising as we only started towards the end of the quarter), however, Amazon still donated £5.00 for Q1 as we had now started using the scheme. It will take time to build these payments as the Amazon commission rate is only 0.5%, so expenditure needs to reach £1,000.00 to generate the normal minimum of £5.00, but at least any expenditure will generate some funding for the Charity.
We are now also registered with Recycle4Charity which pays £1 for every used ink cartridge returned which incorporates a printed circuit board (there is a list on their website of eligible cartridges) and we hope that several groups collecting for us might also consider this option to raise further funds, along with our usual supporters individually participating.
News of Recent Grants Made:
02.08.20 We completed two further grants:
£1,250.00 for a 3 year old with a diagnosis of quadriplegic cerebral palsy, and a range of other medical problems including seizures, following oxygen starvation at birth. She has problems with sitting and her mobility, and the proposal was for the purchase of a special exercise trike to help to develop her leg strength, balance and co-ordination. With the family having raised some funding via a donation website, we agreed to fund the balance required for the purchase.
£209.54 for a two year old with a diagnosis of Spinal Muscular Atrophy type 1, and exhibits with very weak muscles. This severely limits his ability to sit up and move and we were requested to help with funding some special needs toys suitable for his condition. We agreed to fully fund.
27.07.20 We completed a small grant of £716.50 for a 14 year old with a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder and Attention Defecit Hyperactive Disorder, with severe learning disability and is doubly incontinent. He required a special strong bed with leakage tray and protection covers for electrical sockets to protect him, as he has no sense of danger. With the family unable to fund, we agreed to fully fund the equipment required.
19.07.20 We completed a grant of £1,313.15 for an 8 yr old with significant learning difficulties, speech and language problems, challenging behaviour and exhibits hypermobility. Proposal was to provide a special exercise trike with the parental control option, to try to develop her core strength and co-ordination. With the family able to contribute £200.00 towards the discounted cost, we agreed to fund the balance.
09.07.20 We completed a grant of £1,396.00 for an 11 year old witha diagnosis of severe ASD, learning and communication difficulties, and severe challenging behaviour. All electrical points in his bedroom were removed for safety, but he has destroyed his bed and was smashing the plaster on the wall. Proposal to fit some soft padded wall cladding to protect him, and to provide a special strong bed. We agreed to fully fund.
03.07.20 We completed a grant of £700.00 for a 14 year old with a diagnosis of Leber's Congenital Amaurosis, other sight problems, and is registered blind. We have helped before, but she urgently required further computer equipment for her school work. Family was prepared to contribute but supplier would only take payment from the Charity if the total amount was paid from one source. Family co-funded (£528.00) to the Charity account, and the Charity then added the balance of £700.00 and paid the full purchase cost.
26.06.20 We completed a grant of £1,321.58 for the purchase of a P Pod Bean Seat for a young lady with a range of medical problems. She exhibits with global development delay, sight and hearing difficulties, epilepsy and generalised hypotonia. She has been provided with a number of items of mobility equipment to help with her condition but does not have a comfortable seat, and this is not funded by the Community Equipment Service. We were asked if we could help with the funding for a P Pod Bean Seat to hold her securely and safely in the correct posture, in comfort, and we agreed to fully fund.
23.06.20 We have completed two further grants:
£3,700 for The Victoria School helps 240 disabled childeren (85% to 90% permanently wheelchair bound). They had a refurbishment project for their Art Room, and were fundraising for three main items of equipment. We were asked if we could help with funding the purchase of a rise/fall table which can accommodate up to 6 wheelchair users at a time and adjust for any age and size. We agreed to fully fund.
£111.96 for an 18 year old with a diagnosis of Angelman Syndrome, severe development delay, speech and language delay, and challenging behaviour. Needed replacement parts for his exercise equipment which we agreed to fund.
17.06.20 We completed a grant for a 1 year old about to be discharged from a Children's Hospital. He has a range of medical problems and needs to carry a number of items of support equipment with him at all times. In addition, he has a twin sibling, and we were asked if we could help to fund a suitable twin buggy to carry both as well as his equipment. Having reviewed all the circumstances, we agreed to proceed and fully fund. The final discount price was £1,200.00.
14.06.20 We completed a grant of £950.00 towards the £1,423.00 cost of a Quest88 trike for an 8.5 year old with a diagnosis of cerebral palsy, asymmetric diplegia, hydrocephalus, and he suffers seizures and learning difficulties. Although he can now walk with the aid of tripod sticks, his balance is poor, and a special exercise trike was proposed to help to build his leg strength and improve his general condition.
06.06.20 We completed 3 further grants during the last week:
£637 for a 7 year old with a diagnosis of Downs Syndrome and needed a fully supportive car seat with a magnetic restraint harness when being transported. His existing seat is unsuitable and he can present a danger when in the car. Single parent family with his mother acting as a full time carer and we were asked if we could help. We agreed to fully fund the purchase.
£578.00 for a 6 year old with a diagnosis of Cerebral palsy mainly affecting his legs. He can walk a few steps with a tripod stick but a special exercise trike was proposed to try to help to develop and stretch his leg muscles. With another charity already providing £800.00 towards the total cost of £1,378.00, we agreed to fund the balance required for the purchase to proceed.
£1,920 for an 11 year old with a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder, learning difficulties, sensory processing difficulties and chronic lung disease. He can walk very short distances and the request was for a special exercise dual trike to try to get him outside more, and improve his exercise and general condition. We agreed to fully fund.
27.05.20 We completed a grant of £368.41 for a 2.5 year old who has an acquired brain injury and is currently in a Children's Hospice awaiting transfer to a new Housing Association property. We were asked if we could fund a special support system to help her when playing on the floor, for use at her new home, similar to the one she is using very successfully while in the Hospice. We agreed to fully fund the amount required.
26.05.20 We approved £355.00 for a very young child with movement difficulties following problems at birth, and who now requires the use of Oxygen at home. The family had purchased a second hand activity centre, but some parts were missing and we agreed to fund the purchase of those items to allow the unit to be used to maximum effect.
16.05.20 We have agreed to provide the balance of funding needed (£517.00) for the purchase of a trike (total cost £1,317.00) for an 8 year old with a diagnosis of cerebral palsy. Having undergone surgery (Selective dorsal rhizotomy) to improve the spacticity in her legs, she was working hard to improve her mobility and a special exercise trike was proposed. The family had raised £800.00 from another charity and we were requested to help with the balance, which we approved.
08.05.20 We have completed another grant - £328.00 for an 8.5 year old child with a severe learning disability, ASD and severe challenging behaviour. He frequently damages items in the home, which is being modified for his condition. This proposal was for a reinforced TV cabinet to prevent breakage of the TV and potential electrical risks, as he has no awareness of danger. With his mother acting as a full time carer, and being a single parent family, we agreed to fully fund.
05.05.20 We completed a grant of £1,403 for a 10 year old with a diagnosis of Diplegic Cerebral Palsy, affecting the muscles in his legs. He can walk independently for short distances with the aid of sticks but uses a self propelled wheelchair for most of his mobility needs. He needs constant exercise stretching his leg muscles to maintain the mobility he has, and use of a special exercise trike was proposed. We agreed to fully fund.
We also completed a grant of £792,75 for a 12 year old a diagnosis of Kabuki Syndrome and a range of other medical problems. A set of parallel bars was proposed, to help to exercise his legs, as his family are keen to continue to work on trying to develop his mobility. We have helped the family previously and have followed his development, and agreed to fully fund this item of equipment.
02.05.20 We completed a grant of £3,900.90 for a 12 year old born with multiple congenital abnormalities including scoliosis of the spine (and for which she had a spinal fusion operation in 2019 with only partial success), hearing loss, global development delay, and she has not yet learned to walk requiring constant adult assistance. She required a wheelchair for mobility, but Wheelchair Services were unable to fund the specific requirements needed for her condition. As a result she has been granted the PWB (Personal Wheelchair Budget) to which she is entitled which totals £1,864.10, leaving additional funding required to acquire a chair suitable for her specific postural needs, and we were asked to help. We agreed to fully fund the balance for a wheelchair with the contoured seat required, along with additional supports.
30.04.20 We completed a grant of £647.18 for a special car seat for a young lady approaching 4 years old with a diagnosis of Smiths Magenis Syndrome, and who presents with delayed speech and language, motor skills, challenging behaviour and a sleep disorder. She escapes from her car seat and presents a hazard when being transported. A new secure and comfortable car seat was required for her, which we agreed to fully fund.
25.04.20 We have completed approval of two further applications:
£1,283.00 for a 2 year old with a diagnosis of Spina Bifida with a Chiari 2 Malformation and Hydrocephalus. Unable to walk but has been able to develop some movement and control of her legs. Proposal was to fund a special exercise trike to help to develop her co-ordination and leg strength which we agreed to fully fund.
Balance of funding required for a 15 year old with a diagnosis of Global development delay, and a range of medical and speech and language problems. He has learned to walk short distances but otherwise uses a wheelchair which is heavy and hard to push now he is older. Proposal was to fund an all terrain buggy to enable him to be taken out and moved around more easily. The family managed to raise some funding online, and we agreed to provide the balance for the purchase to proceed. Total cost was £2,747.00, and once two further weeks of fundraising has been completed, we will fund the balance.
18.04.20 With the lockdown continuing for another 3 weeks, direct face to face contact for both consultations and assessments has not been possible. However, there are areas where applications can still be completed and in the last week two of the three requests received were for car seats which had been assessed at the end of February.
£331.52 for a 4 year old with a diagnosis of cerebral palsy and a trachea-oasophageal fistula. She requires help with everyday activities, uses a walker for short distances and a wheelchair for anything longer. She required a special car seat with a swivel base to assist in getting her in and out of the seat. We agreed to fully fund the cost.
£3,406.50 for a 6 year old with a diagnosis of symptomatic epilepsy with focal seizures as well as other medical problems. He required a new special car seat which could both hold him securely as well as providing the additional support that his condition required. After a full assessment, it was determined that he need a range of additional accessories to ensure that he could be safely transported, which resulted in a substantial cost, even allowing for our discount structure with the supplier. With no other funding available, we agreed to cover the full purchase cost.
£1,125.00 for the purchase of a sensory panel for use by Fort Royal Special School. Initially, this would be loaned to a 5 year old girl with extensive medical problems, who required to isolate due to her vulnerability. The school had loaned some sensory equipment and we were asked to help with funding this item. Later, this would be returned to the school for use by other children. We agreed to fully fund the purchase.
06.04.20 We completed a grant of £235.00 for a 3.25 year old, born prematurely and who had subsequently spent time in hospital with extensive medical problems. He had a diagnosis of cerebral palsy spastic quadriplegia, short bowel syndrome and microcephaly. The proposal was to fund a portable fully supportive chair to hold him securely as he struggled to sit independently, and we agreed to fully fund.
05.05.20 We completed a grant of 31,403.00 for a 10 year old with a diagnosis of Diplegic Cerebral Palsy, affecting the muscles in his legs. He can walk independently for short distances with the aid of sticks but uses a self propelled wheelchair for most of his mobility needs. He needs constant exercise stretching his leg muscles to maintain the mobility he has, and use of a special exercise trike was proposed. We agreed to fully fund.
02.04.20 We completed a grant of £1,781 for a 9 year old with a diagnosis of Cerebral Palsy with a range of additional medical conditions which included Epilepsy (Lennox Gastaut), development delay, hip dislocation and reconstruction, and difficulties in standing. Proposal to purchase a Baffin trio Stander which would fully support him, and could cope with his need to lean forwards, as he is unable to stand upright. His Health Authority will part fund, the family had raised some funding, but COVID-19 had caused the cancellation of other fundraising events, and help urgently needed to bridge the funding gap. We agreed to fund the balance required.
27.03.20 We completed two further grants:
£637.00 for a 7 year old with a diagnosis of Cerebral palsy, and also exhibits with mobility problems. He required a fully supportive special car seat with a 5 point harness to hold him securely, and we agreed to fully fund.
£2,056.95 for a 13 year old with a range of serious eye conditions, and needed a suitable computer, together with magnification software and a screen reader, to help him to be able to work at home. Having missed a significant period of education recently, the equipment was needed urgently, and we were asked by Dudley Vision Impairment Service if we could help. Having reviewed the circumstances, we agreed to fully fund.
News about the Charity:
With completion of the 11th Grant in 2019 we reached the major milestone of £750,000 raised and granted without taking a single penny from the Charity in administration costs. Everything donated was used for the benefit of the children. This has occurred only two years (almost to the day) from completion of the previous milestone of £500,000 raised and granted. While we hope to target our next big milestone by 2021, we are increasingly limited by the funding we can raise, especially this year with the impact of COVID 19 on the suspension of so many fundraising activities. We shall be more dependent than ever on the wonderful help we receive from our supporters.
We never anticipated the rate of growth we have seen, or the amount already granted when we started. Sadly this clearly highlights how serious the problems are in this area and how much help is needed.
Donations:
There are full details on our Donation Page of the various methods of making a donation to us, as well as the Everyclick Donation button (centre of the Donation Page), which allows an online donation to be made quickly by Credit or Debit card.
Current and Future Events in 2020:
Stourbridge Golf Club collected £2,147.60 for us during the previous Captain's period of office, which we received in early March, and which was greatly appreciated, as although 2020 has started quietly, both applications and application enquiries have suddenly risen sharply as we enter March, and continued since then.
We also received a Funeral Collection, which was a very kind gesture from the family, and which raised £150.00. Contact was made with the Undertaker, who showed some interest in the work of the Charity, raising the possibility of occasional additional collections when families are looking for suggestions for a local Children's charity.
We have also received the third payment, of a three year programme, from the Barbara Ward Children's Foundation (£5,000.00), a donation from the Geoff Hill Charitable Trust (£500.00), who are local to us, and HMRC responded quickly to our Gift Aid claim which was submitted on 6th April, and we received £4,831.14. This funding has helped to offset recent requests for help, which exceeded £5,000 in the third week of April. We also received the proceeds of a table collection from Newfields Masonic Lodge (£110.00), and a purchase commissions payment of £39.00 from Everyclick. We are starting to generate some commission from our registration with Amazon Smile (Smile.Amazon.co.uk), but we were advised that we have not yet reached the threshold for payment at the end of Q1 (not surprising as we only started towards the end of the quarter), however, Amazon still donated £5.00 for Q1 as we had now started using the scheme. It will take time to build these payments as the Amazon commission rate is only 0.5%, so expenditure needs to reach £1,000.00 to generate the normal minimum of £5.00, but at least any expenditure will generate some funding for the Charity.
We are now also registered with Recycle4Charity which pays £1 for every used ink cartridge returned which incorporates a printed circuit board (there is a list on their website of eligible cartridges) and we hope that several groups collecting for us might also consider this option to raise further funds, along with our usual supporters individually participating.
News of Recent Grants Made:
02.08.20 We completed two further grants:
£1,250.00 for a 3 year old with a diagnosis of quadriplegic cerebral palsy, and a range of other medical problems including seizures, following oxygen starvation at birth. She has problems with sitting and her mobility, and the proposal was for the purchase of a special exercise trike to help to develop her leg strength, balance and co-ordination. With the family having raised some funding via a donation website, we agreed to fund the balance required for the purchase.
£209.54 for a two year old with a diagnosis of Spinal Muscular Atrophy type 1, and exhibits with very weak muscles. This severely limits his ability to sit up and move and we were requested to help with funding some special needs toys suitable for his condition. We agreed to fully fund.
27.07.20 We completed a small grant of £716.50 for a 14 year old with a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder and Attention Defecit Hyperactive Disorder, with severe learning disability and is doubly incontinent. He required a special strong bed with leakage tray and protection covers for electrical sockets to protect him, as he has no sense of danger. With the family unable to fund, we agreed to fully fund the equipment required.
19.07.20 We completed a grant of £1,313.15 for an 8 yr old with significant learning difficulties, speech and language problems, challenging behaviour and exhibits hypermobility. Proposal was to provide a special exercise trike with the parental control option, to try to develop her core strength and co-ordination. With the family able to contribute £200.00 towards the discounted cost, we agreed to fund the balance.
09.07.20 We completed a grant of £1,396.00 for an 11 year old witha diagnosis of severe ASD, learning and communication difficulties, and severe challenging behaviour. All electrical points in his bedroom were removed for safety, but he has destroyed his bed and was smashing the plaster on the wall. Proposal to fit some soft padded wall cladding to protect him, and to provide a special strong bed. We agreed to fully fund.
03.07.20 We completed a grant of £700.00 for a 14 year old with a diagnosis of Leber's Congenital Amaurosis, other sight problems, and is registered blind. We have helped before, but she urgently required further computer equipment for her school work. Family was prepared to contribute but supplier would only take payment from the Charity if the total amount was paid from one source. Family co-funded (£528.00) to the Charity account, and the Charity then added the balance of £700.00 and paid the full purchase cost.
26.06.20 We completed a grant of £1,321.58 for the purchase of a P Pod Bean Seat for a young lady with a range of medical problems. She exhibits with global development delay, sight and hearing difficulties, epilepsy and generalised hypotonia. She has been provided with a number of items of mobility equipment to help with her condition but does not have a comfortable seat, and this is not funded by the Community Equipment Service. We were asked if we could help with the funding for a P Pod Bean Seat to hold her securely and safely in the correct posture, in comfort, and we agreed to fully fund.
23.06.20 We have completed two further grants:
£3,700 for The Victoria School helps 240 disabled childeren (85% to 90% permanently wheelchair bound). They had a refurbishment project for their Art Room, and were fundraising for three main items of equipment. We were asked if we could help with funding the purchase of a rise/fall table which can accommodate up to 6 wheelchair users at a time and adjust for any age and size. We agreed to fully fund.
£111.96 for an 18 year old with a diagnosis of Angelman Syndrome, severe development delay, speech and language delay, and challenging behaviour. Needed replacement parts for his exercise equipment which we agreed to fund.
17.06.20 We completed a grant for a 1 year old about to be discharged from a Children's Hospital. He has a range of medical problems and needs to carry a number of items of support equipment with him at all times. In addition, he has a twin sibling, and we were asked if we could help to fund a suitable twin buggy to carry both as well as his equipment. Having reviewed all the circumstances, we agreed to proceed and fully fund. The final discount price was £1,200.00.
14.06.20 We completed a grant of £950.00 towards the £1,423.00 cost of a Quest88 trike for an 8.5 year old with a diagnosis of cerebral palsy, asymmetric diplegia, hydrocephalus, and he suffers seizures and learning difficulties. Although he can now walk with the aid of tripod sticks, his balance is poor, and a special exercise trike was proposed to help to build his leg strength and improve his general condition.
06.06.20 We completed 3 further grants during the last week:
£637 for a 7 year old with a diagnosis of Downs Syndrome and needed a fully supportive car seat with a magnetic restraint harness when being transported. His existing seat is unsuitable and he can present a danger when in the car. Single parent family with his mother acting as a full time carer and we were asked if we could help. We agreed to fully fund the purchase.
£578.00 for a 6 year old with a diagnosis of Cerebral palsy mainly affecting his legs. He can walk a few steps with a tripod stick but a special exercise trike was proposed to try to help to develop and stretch his leg muscles. With another charity already providing £800.00 towards the total cost of £1,378.00, we agreed to fund the balance required for the purchase to proceed.
£1,920 for an 11 year old with a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder, learning difficulties, sensory processing difficulties and chronic lung disease. He can walk very short distances and the request was for a special exercise dual trike to try to get him outside more, and improve his exercise and general condition. We agreed to fully fund.
27.05.20 We completed a grant of £368.41 for a 2.5 year old who has an acquired brain injury and is currently in a Children's Hospice awaiting transfer to a new Housing Association property. We were asked if we could fund a special support system to help her when playing on the floor, for use at her new home, similar to the one she is using very successfully while in the Hospice. We agreed to fully fund the amount required.
26.05.20 We approved £355.00 for a very young child with movement difficulties following problems at birth, and who now requires the use of Oxygen at home. The family had purchased a second hand activity centre, but some parts were missing and we agreed to fund the purchase of those items to allow the unit to be used to maximum effect.
16.05.20 We have agreed to provide the balance of funding needed (£517.00) for the purchase of a trike (total cost £1,317.00) for an 8 year old with a diagnosis of cerebral palsy. Having undergone surgery (Selective dorsal rhizotomy) to improve the spacticity in her legs, she was working hard to improve her mobility and a special exercise trike was proposed. The family had raised £800.00 from another charity and we were requested to help with the balance, which we approved.
08.05.20 We have completed another grant - £328.00 for an 8.5 year old child with a severe learning disability, ASD and severe challenging behaviour. He frequently damages items in the home, which is being modified for his condition. This proposal was for a reinforced TV cabinet to prevent breakage of the TV and potential electrical risks, as he has no awareness of danger. With his mother acting as a full time carer, and being a single parent family, we agreed to fully fund.
05.05.20 We completed a grant of £1,403 for a 10 year old with a diagnosis of Diplegic Cerebral Palsy, affecting the muscles in his legs. He can walk independently for short distances with the aid of sticks but uses a self propelled wheelchair for most of his mobility needs. He needs constant exercise stretching his leg muscles to maintain the mobility he has, and use of a special exercise trike was proposed. We agreed to fully fund.
We also completed a grant of £792,75 for a 12 year old a diagnosis of Kabuki Syndrome and a range of other medical problems. A set of parallel bars was proposed, to help to exercise his legs, as his family are keen to continue to work on trying to develop his mobility. We have helped the family previously and have followed his development, and agreed to fully fund this item of equipment.
02.05.20 We completed a grant of £3,900.90 for a 12 year old born with multiple congenital abnormalities including scoliosis of the spine (and for which she had a spinal fusion operation in 2019 with only partial success), hearing loss, global development delay, and she has not yet learned to walk requiring constant adult assistance. She required a wheelchair for mobility, but Wheelchair Services were unable to fund the specific requirements needed for her condition. As a result she has been granted the PWB (Personal Wheelchair Budget) to which she is entitled which totals £1,864.10, leaving additional funding required to acquire a chair suitable for her specific postural needs, and we were asked to help. We agreed to fully fund the balance for a wheelchair with the contoured seat required, along with additional supports.
30.04.20 We completed a grant of £647.18 for a special car seat for a young lady approaching 4 years old with a diagnosis of Smiths Magenis Syndrome, and who presents with delayed speech and language, motor skills, challenging behaviour and a sleep disorder. She escapes from her car seat and presents a hazard when being transported. A new secure and comfortable car seat was required for her, which we agreed to fully fund.
25.04.20 We have completed approval of two further applications:
£1,283.00 for a 2 year old with a diagnosis of Spina Bifida with a Chiari 2 Malformation and Hydrocephalus. Unable to walk but has been able to develop some movement and control of her legs. Proposal was to fund a special exercise trike to help to develop her co-ordination and leg strength which we agreed to fully fund.
Balance of funding required for a 15 year old with a diagnosis of Global development delay, and a range of medical and speech and language problems. He has learned to walk short distances but otherwise uses a wheelchair which is heavy and hard to push now he is older. Proposal was to fund an all terrain buggy to enable him to be taken out and moved around more easily. The family managed to raise some funding online, and we agreed to provide the balance for the purchase to proceed. Total cost was £2,747.00, and once two further weeks of fundraising has been completed, we will fund the balance.
18.04.20 With the lockdown continuing for another 3 weeks, direct face to face contact for both consultations and assessments has not been possible. However, there are areas where applications can still be completed and in the last week two of the three requests received were for car seats which had been assessed at the end of February.
£331.52 for a 4 year old with a diagnosis of cerebral palsy and a trachea-oasophageal fistula. She requires help with everyday activities, uses a walker for short distances and a wheelchair for anything longer. She required a special car seat with a swivel base to assist in getting her in and out of the seat. We agreed to fully fund the cost.
£3,406.50 for a 6 year old with a diagnosis of symptomatic epilepsy with focal seizures as well as other medical problems. He required a new special car seat which could both hold him securely as well as providing the additional support that his condition required. After a full assessment, it was determined that he need a range of additional accessories to ensure that he could be safely transported, which resulted in a substantial cost, even allowing for our discount structure with the supplier. With no other funding available, we agreed to cover the full purchase cost.
£1,125.00 for the purchase of a sensory panel for use by Fort Royal Special School. Initially, this would be loaned to a 5 year old girl with extensive medical problems, who required to isolate due to her vulnerability. The school had loaned some sensory equipment and we were asked to help with funding this item. Later, this would be returned to the school for use by other children. We agreed to fully fund the purchase.
06.04.20 We completed a grant of £235.00 for a 3.25 year old, born prematurely and who had subsequently spent time in hospital with extensive medical problems. He had a diagnosis of cerebral palsy spastic quadriplegia, short bowel syndrome and microcephaly. The proposal was to fund a portable fully supportive chair to hold him securely as he struggled to sit independently, and we agreed to fully fund.
05.05.20 We completed a grant of 31,403.00 for a 10 year old with a diagnosis of Diplegic Cerebral Palsy, affecting the muscles in his legs. He can walk independently for short distances with the aid of sticks but uses a self propelled wheelchair for most of his mobility needs. He needs constant exercise stretching his leg muscles to maintain the mobility he has, and use of a special exercise trike was proposed. We agreed to fully fund.
02.04.20 We completed a grant of £1,781 for a 9 year old with a diagnosis of Cerebral Palsy with a range of additional medical conditions which included Epilepsy (Lennox Gastaut), development delay, hip dislocation and reconstruction, and difficulties in standing. Proposal to purchase a Baffin trio Stander which would fully support him, and could cope with his need to lean forwards, as he is unable to stand upright. His Health Authority will part fund, the family had raised some funding, but COVID-19 had caused the cancellation of other fundraising events, and help urgently needed to bridge the funding gap. We agreed to fund the balance required.
27.03.20 We completed two further grants:
£637.00 for a 7 year old with a diagnosis of Cerebral palsy, and also exhibits with mobility problems. He required a fully supportive special car seat with a 5 point harness to hold him securely, and we agreed to fully fund.
£2,056.95 for a 13 year old with a range of serious eye conditions, and needed a suitable computer, together with magnification software and a screen reader, to help him to be able to work at home. Having missed a significant period of education recently, the equipment was needed urgently, and we were asked by Dudley Vision Impairment Service if we could help. Having reviewed the circumstances, we agreed to fully fund.