Your postcode is used to send you relevant local updates. Your details will NOT be shared with any 3rd parties.

Many thanks for joining us at InYourArea

The grant will provide buggies and wheelchairs to disabled and terminally ill children across the UK

HELPING HUNDREDS: Nigel Lewis and Jo Duggan celebrate with Ellie Menown and Dani De'ath (Image: Newlife)

A Cannock charity that provides disability equipment and support has secured a £1m grant from a mobility group to mark International Wheelchair Day.  

Newlife the Charity for Disabled Children received the grant from Motability on March 1. The cash will provide disabled and terminally ill children across the UK with life-changing specialist buggies and wheelchairs. Newlife will receive the money over three years to help 280 children and young people with mobility issues.

The grant will help children like Finlay-Woodcock Daniels, who had a wheelchair from Newlife in November last year. When Newlife provided 16-year-old Finlay with a specialist wheelchair and E-Motion motorised wheels to provide a power boost, it changed his life – easing his pain and discomfort, allowing him to move independently.

His mum, Alexa, said: "A wheelchair is a necessity when you can't walk, and as you are spending around 12 hours a day in it, you need it to be comfortable. The wrong wheelchair was actually disabling Finlay, and it shouldn't be like that.

"Finlay had back pain and was constantly uncomfortable before, but all that changed almost overnight when he had the wheelchair from Newlife – and we are very grateful for their support. The E-Motion wheels mean he's more independent too, which is great for him.

"He's very sociable and loves spending time, talking to different people, and this helps him do that and gives him that independence for the fun aspects of life. Going anywhere now is easier too, as the wheels can go anywhere. The wheelchair and E-Motion wheels have definitely changed our lives for the better."

A full-time wheelchair user, Finlay has cerebral palsy and visual impairment, so he always needs someone with him wherever he goes to keep him safe. In his old wheelchair, he would become incredibly frustrated as the seat caused him pain – and the wheelchair was difficult for his mum to manoeuvre – constantly getting stuck and suddenly pitching him forward.

With their local wheelchair services unable to offer anything suitable, Alexa felt they had no choice but to turn to Newlife for help funding the equipment required by Finlay. She felt overjoyed when the charity provided a wheelchair with E-Motion motorised wheels, which gives Finlay the power to move at the touch of a button.

The specialist buggies, wheelchairs and powered wheelchairs funded by the grant will improve the health and well-being of the whole family, allowing disabled children to fulfil their potential. With this improved mobility, children can safely and comfortably visit and explore new places, attend vital medical appointments and attend school.

Stephen Morgan, the director of operations at Newlife, said: "It's fantastic news that Newlife has been supported by Motability to receive this hugely significant grant. The funds will enable us to change the lives of hundreds of disabled and terminally ill children who will receive the vital wheelchairs and buggies that will make such a huge difference to their lives."

The funding from Motability comes from its new portfolio of grant programmes set up for other charities and organisations that support the transport needs of disabled people. Over three financial years ending in March 2025, Motability will award a total of £50 million in funding to charities and organisations across the UK that fill gaps in transport services for disabled people.

Lisa Jones, the director of Motability, said: "We're excited about the difference this £1 million grant can make to the lives of families with disabled children thanks to the specialist buggies and wheelchairs that Newlife provide. This is exactly the kind of work we wanted to support when we launched our new grant portfolio last year – and we hope to fund further charities and organisations to help deliver the greatest impact to as many disabled people as possible."

For more information, visit the website here.

For more on Motability's grants, visit the website here.

Get all the latest news, updates, things to do and more from Cannock, Staffordshire's dedicated InYourArea feed.

Updates in your area sent directly to your email inbox

We connect you with the people and communities that matter to your business

Contribute to your community by becoming an area ambassador

Search for trusted local businesses near you

Available for both iPhone and Android