August 8, 2023

Designability receives £54,000 to provide more free powered wheelchairs to children

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Giving more children the ability to become independent

We are pleased to share that we have recently received a generous grant from the Somerset Freemasons.

This new funding will cover the cost of nine new Wizzybug powered wheelchairs which will enable disabled children aged 14 months to five years to explore their surroundings and develop their mobility skills.

Each Wizzybug costs £6,000 for the full lifecycle of the loan, which includes the parts and materials, maintenance, clinical team support throughout the life of the loan, travel and transportation costs.

Once each loan is complete, the Wizzybug is refurbished and can be loaned out again.

Wizzybugs have helped more than 1,100 disabled children to gain independence and mobility

The grant from Somerset Freemasons comes through the Masonic Charitable Foundation, which is funded by Freemasons, their families and friends, from across England and Wales.

Genevieve Arney, Director of Fundraising and Communications from Designability, said:

“We’re very grateful to Somerset Freemasons for their generous grant.

“Getting a Wizzybug is great for the children concerned but also has have fantastic benefits for the whole family who can engage and interact in a way they couldn’t before.”

Graham Puddy, Provincial Charity Steward for Somerset Masons said: “I am very pleased we have been able to help Designability provide their wonderful Wizzybugs to children who need them. By making them mobile, these wonderful machines transform the lives of the children and their families and they are also great fun, as any child who has used one will testify”

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