At the beginning of the year we awarded funding to eighteen year old Nicole. She has Quadriplegic Cerebral Palsy, which compromises her ability to get out to the places she loves. The grant was put towards the purchase of a specialist all terrain buggy for Nicole, who is a full-time wheelchair user.
Nicole loves the outdoors, especially the beach, but was unable to access these areas in her previous wheelchair. One of Nicole's favourite places to visit has been Fleetwood, as they have beach wheelchairs that can be hired. This opened up Nicole's mind to the fact that, with the correct equipment, she could access more outdoor areas that are currently inaccessible to her in her powerchair. Nicole is not receiving any education at the moment, due to access issues. However, with her new buggy she is now able to access more areas, which has opened up her world.
Nicole is now able to access a variety of previously, inaccessible routes. She particularly enjoys the beach, and visited her local one the same weekend she received the buggy. This not only improves Nicole’s well-being, but that of her family as well.
Nicole and her family were granted a holiday in Cornwall for March this year. It was the first holiday they had had in 18 years, with Nicole desperate to go on the beaches with her new buggy.