A major appeal has been launched by The Chronicle's Sunshine Fund to provide life-changing equipment for children with disabilities as more families than ever before turn to the charity for help.
The Sunshine Fund says that specialist equipment families could previously get through the NHS or social services is now no longer available to them. In February alone, there was a 64% rise in applications from parents compared to this time last year - and this figure is set to rise.
Now the charity is calling on members of the public to help give youngsters the vital support they need and make a donation to our Urgent Equipment Appeal. The money raised will help to buy equipment that would really transform the lives of children in the region.
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Siobhan Sargeant, charity director, said: "Although the Government has eased restrictions and outlined plans for living with Covid, the pandemic is far from over for children with disabilities in our region, as more families, schools and other local organisations turn to us than ever before.
"We already know it can cost up to three times more to raise a child with disabilities or additional needs. Increased demand for limited services, cuts in benefits, soaring costs and barriers to work mean our families are already at a disadvantage. As a small charity, we have struggled to keep up with the continually increasing demands for equipment and family support services that we provide.
"Equipment that families could previously access through the NHS or social services is now no longer available to them and families are being asked to make these purchases themselves or turn to charities like ours. Items like specialist beds and adapted baths can run into the thousands and desperate parents are turning to us for help fund these expensive, but fundamental items."
Among the children who could benefit is six-year-old Teddy Nicholson, of Heaton, Newcastle, who would love to have a specialist trike so he can have fun outdoors like his friends. When Teddy was born, doctors discovered he had aortic stenosis - one of his heart valves was too narrow - and he had to have heart surgery at just five days old.
Teddy was also diagnosed with cerebral palsy, which affects his ability to move. However, just like any other young boy, he wants nothing more than to ride a bike.
His mum Jessica, who also has a one-year-old son, Sid, says a specialist trike would allow Teddy to ride alongside his friends as well as help to improve his muscle movement. Such a trike would cost more than £1,000.
The 28-year-old, who is training to be a school teacher, said: "Teddy is quite a character. He has an amazing sense of humour, he's always laughing about and is cheeky.
"He always works so hard and is really popular at school. He's really into Lego and loves playing out with his friends.
"A trike would make a huge difference to his life. He would be able to go out and ride just like his friends."
The Sunshine Fund does not receive any statutory funding, so the team works tirelessly to raise money for specialist equipment for families.
If you would like to make a donation to the Urgent Equipment Appeal, you can do it online here. The website also has information about other ways to donate.
