Funded Items

A great day out

07 Sep 2023

Tom, who has cerebral palsy with complex needs, was after an attendant controlled powerchair, a chair not available through wheelchair services. We were able to help by making a contribution to a new wheelchair. Dad has written to say - "Tom is already venturing into places that he couldn’t access in his old manual chair. We can now go whizzing up hills without any effort. And without your generosity – and that of your funders – this wouldn’t have happened.”

Help in those hilly areas

22 Aug 2022

Following a road traffic accident 30 years ago Richard has become a full-time wheelchair user due to an incomplete T8. His manual wheelchair is great for day to day getting about, especially indoors. However outside it's a bit tougher. DTD Charity was able to help with the funding towards a triride. Richard writes, 'I’ve had my triride just over two weeks and it’s amazing. The biggest help is around my village I’m able to walk our dog independently now. Going to our local park is amazing as a couple of hill meant me be pushed up them, not anymore. Thanks so much for this must need equipment and your very kind donation.' 

Help in those hilly areas

The right wheelchair

05 Aug 2022
Following a spinal cord injury resulting in tetraplegia, Steve became a full time wheelchair user back in 2006. He writes, "Thank you to everyone at DTD Charity for helping with funding my new wheelchair. Good mobility equipment is so expensive but thanks to the funding from you and wheelchair services I was able to get the exact chair that I wanted. It’s super light, strong and made to measure so it fits perfect and should last for many years. Thank you!"
The right wheelchair

Another light weight wheelchair

14 Jul 2022

Elaine was involved in a road traffic accident when she was just five which left her paralysed. After many years as a manual wheelchair user Elaine was suffering from shoulder pain and needed to move to a powered wheelchair for everyday use. The only one available from Wheelchair Services was heavy, bulky and unsuitable for use in Elaine's home. We were able to help by part-funding a new light weight wheelchair with powered wheels as recommended by Elaine's Occupational Therapist. Elaine has written to say how much easy life is now she has her new wheelchair.

Another light weight wheelchair

Powered Wheelchair

17 Jun 2022

This lovely lady, who has multiple sclerosis, was looking for a new wheelchair. Her previous wheelchair was beyond repair and all that was available via statutory means was too large to manoeuvre around the house. She was having to use her old manual wheelchair at home which she was not able to push herself so had to rely on her husband every time she wanted to move. We were able to help with a grant for a new power wheelchair. Unfortunately due to supply issues it has taken months and months and months but finally the new wheelchair arrived, “Thank you for your support! Much appreciated. Thank you once again for your love and support which has made such a difference to my wife’s and my life.”

Powered Wheelchair

Longer walks for Hamble

29 Mar 2022

Kelsey has been using both a powered wheelchair and a manual wheelchair for the past 6 years. The powered wheelchair allows Kelsey to cover longer distances but isn't very comfortable and is difficult to transport. The manual wheelchair has a huge benefits including exercise but Kelsey has to rely of friends to push her as she tires quickly. The solution was a powered attachment for her manual wheelchair. Unfortunately there is no statutory funding for these. DTD Charity was able to help with funding toward a SMOOV and now Kelsey and her assistant dog Hamble can enjoy longer walks together. Kelsey writes, 'Hamble and I went to meet up with friends for some lunch and for the first time we didn't need someone to meet me at my car and push me to the restaurant. I was also able to take Hamble to some grass to toilet instead of asking a friend to do it!' We call that a result.

Longer walks for Hamble

Power for a manual wheelchair

05 Nov 2021

We have recently been able to help with a Firefly wheelchair attachment and Briar writes to say, 'It’s making such a difference already being able to access more places and have less pain and fatigue- if it wasn’t for the Firefly, I wouldn’t have actually been able to self-propel myself to go out because of the pain I was in. My dogs love trotting along next to it too and going on longer walks now I can be more mobile- my assistance dog Bramble is in the photo. Thank you so much to the charity for providing the grant, it’s definitely been life changing. Thank you.'

Power for a manual wheelchair

A very happy Alan

04 Nov 2021

Unfortunatley we are not able to accept mobility scooter applications at the moment.

We were able to Alan, who has Charcot Marie Tooth disease, and his daughter, who attends a special school, with funding for a mobility scooter. Alan writes, 'Now I can pick my daughter up from school and we can go out again without any worries as I can not lie all of the stress before was really getting me down which I'm so pleased to say it has stopped now I can go out without the worry of the little things stopped us. I can take my daughter outside again to do activities like picking leaves and acorns at the moment it's just amazing words can't express how truly grateful I am. Thanks to everyone at DTD.'

A very happy Alan

Wheelchair repairs

06 Oct 2021
Recently we've been able to help fund repairs to a damaged wheelchair. Following a road traffic accident K was left with a complete spinal cord injury. After many years of use her wheelchair was showing increasing signs of wear and damage. This was causing pressure areas on her thigh and her physio was concerned that she would get further pressure and friction injuries if she continued to use the chair as it was. She writes to say, 'Here's to say a massive Thank You for your funding. I received my wheelchair back today and its Amazing! You made this happen and I am forever grateful for all you did.' 
Wheelchair repairs

Wheelchairs Galore

02 Sep 2021

Through July and August DTD Charity has been busy processing wheelchair applications and the trustees have been able to make pledges towards five different wheelchairs. Pledge amounts have varied from £780 to £5,000.

Wheelchairs Galore

Lightweight Wheelchair

06 Jul 2021

Chris, who is tetraplegic following an accident in his early 20's, recently developed an immune system syndrome which has weakened his muscles. After an extended stay in hospital in 2020 it became clear that his old wheelchair was no longer suitable as it was too heavy for him to manoeuvre effectively. "I am writing to say a big thank you for the £2,500 you donated towards a new lightweight wheelchair. Along with some funding from wheelchair services I managed to get enough funds to purchase the chair. I now have my new chair and I love it. It has already made a huge difference to my independence and Wellbeing. I feel so much more confident. Thank you once again."

Lightweight Wheelchair

Powered Wheelchair

22 Jun 2021

Kevin has facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy. This means a progressive muscle degeneration, with increasing weakness and loss of bulk of muscles. A powered wheelchair was recommended for Kevin and DTD Charity was able to fund the full amount needed to purchase it. We were delighted to hear from Kevin a few weeks after he took delivery of new wheelchair when he wrote to say, "it has made my life so much better, have been out on it a lot".

Powered Wheelchair

Wheelchair funding

01 Jun 2021

After quite a battle and with part funding from DTD Charity, Heather was finally able to get the wheelchair she needed. After a lower leg amputation Heather has not always been able to use her prosthetic which can be very uncomfortable. She needed a lightweight wheelchair with removable wheels so that she could easily get it in and out of the car and maintain her independence. She writes to say, "So grateful for your help it’s changed mine and my daughter's life. Thanks to having this chair I can at least get outside. Forever grateful." 

Wheelchair funding

Exerciser

09 Mar 2021

Megan has cerebral palsy and uses a powered wheelchair for day to day activities. Her physio was keen for Megan to exercise her arms and legs to help with muscle and joint stiffness as well as maintaining cardiovascular fitness. DTD Charity has been able to help by part funding a MOTOmed LOOP for arms and legs. Not the easiest, to take a selfie whilst using a hand cycle

Exerciser

Electric wheelchair

08 Feb 2021

DTD Charity is delighted to have been able to help Mark fund his new wheelchair. He was born with Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenital and his specialist chair allows him to move around independently.

Mark writes, "I am so thrilled with it.  I can already feel a huge difference in my comfort. Thank you so much for your kind pledge."

When the Covid restrictions abate Mark will be able to get out and about again and once more be able to get down to the local pool to enjoy his weekly swim.

Electric wheelchair

Smart Drive

10 Nov 2020

Following a road traffic accident in his teens Rob became a full-time wheelchair user. After many years of use Rob’s shoulders were being to give him increased pain and were making it particularly difficult for him to manoeuvre on uneven surfaces. DTD Charity was able to help with funding toward a Smart Drive and Rob has written to say what a difference it has made especially as he has been able to avoid shoulder surgery. He has also been able to spend more quality time outdoors with his grandson, a real bonus in this very strange year.

Smart Drive

A safe space to sleep

19 Aug 2020

Just before lockdown we were able to help Danny who is non-verbal autistic and struggles with sleeping. His mum writes to say, “Thank you so much for all your help in getting the safe space bed . It has  been amazing . It’s a life changing piece of equipment . Danny’s sleep routine has been so much more settled and I have piece of mind knowing he’s safe and the fact that Danny loves it so much is a added bonus! Sending big thanks”. 

A safe space to sleep

Hand-cycle for a wheelchair

17 Feb 2020

12 years ago Philip, from Notttingham, had a life changing accident and is now tetraplegic. In order to help with fitness and generally getting out and about he had a hand cycle attachment for his manual wheelchair. After 10 years of use this needed replacing and DTD Charity was able to help with funding towards a Speedy Duo 2. Philip's OT has written to say, "He is continuing to enjoy the freedom gained from having a bike that he is able to operate independently...Thank you again for the help DTD Charity has given."   

Hand-cycle for a wheelchair

Thank you

16 Jan 2020

On a cold, wet January day this montage has made me smile. I hope it makes you smile too smile.

Thank you

Mobility Scooter

28 Nov 2019

Unfortunatley we are not able to accept mobility scooter applications at the moment.

Left as a below knee amputee after a teenage accident Rob was finding it increasing difficult to get out and about. DTD Charity has been able to help with funding for a mobility scooter.

Mobility Scooter

Electric Wheelchair

17 Nov 2019

A lovely 'thank-you' from Shaun.

 

Electric Wheelchair

Mobility Scooter

23 Sep 2019

Unfortunatley we are not able to accept mobility scooter applications at the moment.

Janet has sent this wonderful photo to say thank you to DTD Charity for funding her mobility scooter. She is no longer housebound and can now get out and about and visit friends and family locally.

Mobility Scooter

Hand-cycle

23 Jul 2019

A couple of years ago we were able to help Andrew with the final bit of funding towards a hand-cycle. Andrew has become a keen cyclist and has really benefitted from the activity. He has kept in touch and came back to us this year to see if we could top up the funds he needed to make some modifications to his hand-cycle. With a small motor attached he is now able to pedal further and he continues to get all the physical and social benefits of cycling.

 

Hand-cycle

Deaf Awareness Week

07 May 2019

DTD Charity is marking Deaf Awareness Week, 6th-12th May. Previously we have been able to help Isla who was born profoundly deaf. She has bilateral cochlear implants which allows her to attend mainstream school, however she was not going to be allowed to join her classmates for swimming lessons as her implants can not be used in water.  We were able to help with the purchase of a water tight system and Isla’s mum wrote to say, “Isla had her first swimming lesson with school yesterday and her teacher reported back that she coped really well. Isla told me she really enjoyed it too, despite being very anxious about it the night before.  Isla has also been wearing her new kit in the bath and shower, a time of day which used to be quite difficult due to Isla getting frustrated by feeling isolated, as she bathed in complete silence, and much prefers to listen than lip read or sign. The experience of the sound of the shower water running over her for the first time, something we take for granted and probably completely ignore, put a huge smile on her little face. We as a family will always be truly grateful.”

Deaf Awareness Week

Muscular Dystrophy Wheelchair

10 Mar 2019

DTD Charity was able to help a 27 year old Leicester man who has Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy by contributing towards his new wheelchair. His mum wrote to say, ‘I must say a big thank you as this wouldn't have been possible to achieve without you. You have really made a big difference to my son’s quality of life and we will be grateful always.’ 

Muscular Dystrophy Wheelchair

Rebound Therapy

04 Mar 2019

DTD Charity are delighted to have funded a trampoline for a Nottinghamshire SEN school. After a couple of hours unloading the lorry and setting up the equipment Zoe was ready for some rebound therapy along with Chloe Smith of Ash Lea School. 

Rebound Therapy

Wheelchair

01 Feb 2019

Paige has limited mobility due to cerebral palsy. She is in an elite level wheelchair racer and has recently started a new job at the Matt Hampson Foundation. DTD Charity was able to help with funding towards a new day chair. She writes, ‘My chair promotes, correctly supported seating and helps with maintaining posture and comfort when in use on a daily basis. I wouldn't be without it, it has made the world of difference and gives me my independence. Thanks again for your support.’

Wheelchair

Safe Travel Bed

22 Jan 2019

A Nottinghamshire mum, who’s son has cerebral palsy, wrote to say, ‘I am just messaging you to thank you & the DTD Charity for helping us to raise the money for our son’s special needs travel bed. We have now received the bed and are over the moon with it. This bed is a life saver, we no longer have to worry about Robbie’s safety when we are on holiday. So here’s a massive thank you from the bottom of our hearts, you all are amazing.’

Safe Travel Bed

Mobility Scooter

22 Jan 2019

Unfortunatley we are not able to accept mobility scooter applications at the moment.

Six months ago Ieva was involved in a road traffic accident which has left her with life-changing injuries. Having recovered from length surgery and a period of rehabilitation Ieva now is able to walk short distances with 2 sticks. Longer distances cause pain and discomfort. DTD Charity were able to help with the purchase of a scooter. Ieva is delighted to be re-gaining her independence and freedom.

Mobility Scooter

A new trike

21 Oct 2018

Dominic has Kabuki syndrome, low muscle tone, speech and learning disability. His developmental delay means he needs help with all aspects of his daily life and personal care.  Although Dominic cannot stand unaided he loves outdoor activities and had enjoyed family days out on a trike which he outgrew. DTD Charity were able to help with a replacement trike which can be pushed from behind which will help with Dominic’s leg muscle tone or attached to a bike and towed along by the pedal power of mum or dad. On a good day Dominic will be able to propel himself.

A new trike

Brenda and Zoe trying out a Vest

03 Oct 2018

Cystic Fibrosis is an inherited genetic disease that affects over 10,000 people in the UK. A thick, sticky mucus accumulates in the lungs, pancreas, intestines and other organs causing a wide range of challenging symptoms. The Wolfson CF Centre is the regional adult centre based at City Hospital, Nottingham and DTD Charity was able to help with funding for two High Frequency Chest Wall Oscilliation Vests. A vest is usually worn for 20-30 minutes for up to 3-4 times a day and can be a useful alternative for some people who are not able spend hours a day doing physiotherapy and taking nebulised treatments to alleviate symptoms and minimize lung infections.

Brenda and Zoe trying out a Vest

Re-bound Therapy

18 Sep 2018

Peter, 1, lives in supported living in Nottinghamshire. He has severe autism and learning disabilities together with challenging behaviour. Peter loved his trampoline which had a wonderful calming effect on him. Unfortunately it was old and became unsafe for him to use. DTD Charity was able to help with a new in-ground trampoline which was suitable for both Peter and his housemate. This will help with both sensory experiences and exercise. One of Peter's carers writes to say, "I would like to thank you for your donations and contributions to the installation of this, it is proving to be of great benefit."

Re-bound Therapy

Nicola's Electric Wheelchair

18 Sep 2018

Nicola has cerebral palsy and was no longer able to manage her manual wheelchair. She and her family had saved hard to allow Nicola to fund the adaptations of her own home in Birmingham to allow her to live independent. She had to defer her college teaching course as the electric chair temporarily provided by Wheelchair Services was just not suitable. A number of charities, including DTD Charity were able to help by contributing towards a suitable chair for Nicola. She writes to say, "The Dragon powerchair really is fantastic, thanks so much for your support with purchasing it: it makes my busy life better and easier in so many ways, from social interaction with people standing up, to playing with my cat on the floor, to picking things up if I drop them, and getting underneath tables of varying heights, due to its ability to change height to such a great degree."

Nicola's Electric Wheelchair

Nirav's Electric Wheelchair

18 Sep 2018

Nirav, from Nottingham, has merosin deficit congenial muscular dystrophy and is reliant on an electric wheelchair for all his mobility needs. His previous chair was old and had been discontinued meaning he could no longer get replacement parts. DTD Charity were able to help by contributing towards his new chair which in turn has helped Nirav to continue to be an active member of the Muscular Dystrophy UK's Trailblazers, a network of young disabled people who campaign to remove the barriers that prevent them from living full and independent lives. He writes to say, "I sit a lot straighter and I feel and the seat raising function has definitely been a life changer. Many many thanks once again for all your assistance."

Nirav's Electric Wheelchair

Electric Wheelchair

18 Sep 2018

In Dominic’s own words - ‘I am writing to say a big thank you for the £2,000 you donated towards a new powered wheelchair. Along with some funding from other charities I managed to get enough funds to purchase the chair. As you can see I now have my new chair and I love it. It has lights and indicators and it has a micro-control which I can manage even though I don’t have much strength in my hands. I feel so much more confident. Thank you once again. Dominic’

Electric Wheelchair

Scooot

18 Sep 2018

Harrison is now three years old and lives in Warwickshire with his mum and dad. Despite extensive testing Harrison's condition remains undiagnosed although it is clear he has severe global delay, low muscle tone and limited movement of his legs. Harrison however remains a happy and contented little boy who likes his books and playing with his toys. DTD Charity were able to help by funding a Scooot which provides an early experience of independence for children with mobility challenges. It frees them to explore their home, play and race around without help. Mum wrote, "Just a short note to say, we received it just after Christmas and Harrison is using it every day". Many thanks to both you and the DTD Charity for all your help and assistance with this."

Scooot

Through-floor Lift

18 Sep 2018

After an acute illness Hazel had to have one leg amputated above the knee. She has worked hard with her physio and is aiming to return to work as soon as she can. Hazel lives in a typical Victorian terrace with an extremely steep staircase. After much discussion and debate she was advised that in no circumstances should she try to climb the stairs herself and that unfortunately the staircase was not suitable for a stairlift. Hazel was facing a future of sleeping alone downstairs but DTD Charity were able to help with some funding towards a through floor lift. She is now able to safely access the bedroom and bathroom and Hazel wanted to thank all involved with making this happen for her.

Through-floor Lift

Profiling Bed

18 Sep 2018

One of DTD Charity’s recent grants was for a profiling bed and our happy client has written to say, “I would like to say again a big Thank you for the grant and all your support you provided for me, this grant will make a difference in my life. From the beginning of this year I was struggling with my health. and now your charity have given a grant which means I can get an adjustable bed to support my needs.’

Profiling Bed

Mobility Scooter

18 Sep 2018

Unfortunatley we are not able to accept mobility scooter applications at the moment.

Gillian's chronic back pain had left her incontinent and unable to walk more than a few paces. Although Wheelchair Services had supplied her with an indoor electric wheelchair they wouldn't provide an outdoor one due to access problems. This meant that Gillian was very isolated and lacked any independence. DTD Charity was able to help with the purchase of a mobility scooter. At Christmas Gillian wrote to say how her life had greatly improved with the scooter and how she was enjoying getting out and about. It was lovely to hear about such a positive outcome.

Mobility Scooter

Hand-cycle

18 Sep 2018

Andrew, who lives in the West Midlands was given a medical discharge from the Army having served for 9 years. His knee injury continued to worsen and now Andrew uses a wheelchair 90% of the time. Having lived an outdoor and active life Andrew managed to keep his mind engaged but struggled to remain physically fit. Andrew raised half the money towards a hand-cycle and DTD Charity was able to help by funding the remainder. Within a few weeks Andrew was able to increase the distance he could cycle and wrote to say, "Thanks again for helping me get this wonderful machine."

Hand-cycle

Drop Arm Chair

18 Sep 2018

Jasdeep has cerebral palsy which includes being blind and having learning difficulties. He was no longer able to go to day care as there was no appropriate chair for him to sit in. Spending too long in his wheelchair was extremely uncomfortable for Jasdeep and was leading to challenging behaviour. DTD Charity was able to help with the purchase of a drop arm chair which allows Jasdeep to side transfer from his wheelchair and therefore access respite care. His advocate writes to say, "Once again many thanks, It is humbling to think that employees are willing to contribute in this way to the charity."

Drop Arm Chair