How Your Vote for AFK can help provide vital mobility equipment for disabled children and young people

This May AFK – Working With Disability is delighted to be included in My Favourite Voucher Codes charity poll. 1000s of disabled children around the UK are in desperate need of specialist and life-changing mobility equipment, and AFK are the charity that help change the lives of disabled children every day. This month, you can help AFK to get a donation of 20% of our profits, by voting for free in our charity poll. Every vote really counts and makes a massive difference.

What Does AFK Do?

Thousands of disabled children and young people across the UK need customised mobility equipment. Without this, their conditions can worsen, and they can develop further problems, seriously impacting their lives. The NHS cannot fund everything, and often the only equipment they can provide is unsuitable or children outgrow it before qualifying for a new one. Families with disabled children can fall into poverty or often live on very low incomes. This complex mobility equipment costs thousands, plus there are the additional cost of servicing and repairs, so many families rely on charities like AFK for support.

The AFK mobility equipment programme provides specialist mobility equipment, not available on the NHS, to disabled children and young people up to their 25th birthday, across the UK. An average request towards this equipment is £1,500-£3,000, however costs can vary significantly between items. Examples of items funded include powered wheelchairs, manual wheelchairs, sports/all terrain and beach wheelchairs, specialist buggies, walkers and specialist trikes. Currently AFK is also the only UK charity that offers to routinely fund maintenance and repair costs of every powered wheelchair they provide.

Mobility is about more than movement. The right piece of equipment can mean the difference between a young person continuing their studies or being held back; participating in sport/exercise or being left out; living on their own or relying on family, friends or carers. The right equipment helps children and young people to move more easily, build muscle strength, play safely, access education, take part in sport or exercise, gain confidence and become more independent as they transition into adulthood.

A Vote for AFK will Help More Disabled Children like Boronica

Boronica is a happy little girl living with Spastic Quadriplegic Cerebral Palsy. Despite the challenges she faces, Boronica's infectious smile and love for life shine through in everything she does.

Recently, Boronica underwent a significant procedure called Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy (SDR). As part of her intensive rehabilitation programme, her physiotherapist recommended a specialised trike to aid in her recovery and ongoing development.

Boronica's family reached out to AFK for assistance in acquiring a Theraplay Trike in her favourite colour - pink! This trike isn't just any ordinary piece of equipment; it's a crucial tool in Boronica's rehabilitation journey, helping her build strength, improve coordination, and boost her independence.

AFK were so thrilled to be able to support Boronica and her family by providing this essential piece of equipment. The pink Theraplay Trike has quickly become Boronica's favourite mode of transport!

The impact of this equipment on Boronica's life has been significant. Her mother shared this lovely photo and their gratitude, saying, "We thank you again very much for providing this item to our family. The trike has not only aided in Boronica's rehabilitation but has also brought joy to her daily life. The impact of the trike goes beyond just physical therapy. It's opened up new opportunities for Boronica to play and interact and play with her little brother Bato”.

How Can I Contact AFK?

For more information please visit the AFK website www.afkcharity.org or follow their socials @afkcharity.

If you’d like to hear more about what they do or help in any way get in touch with the AFK Partnerships Manager, Lyn. Lyn.prodger@afkcharity.org

How Can I Support AFK?

Sadly, charities like AFK and the wonderful causes in the month’s MFVC poll are needed more than ever. Times are tough so your donations and votes really make a difference at this time.

Boronica's determination and the specialised trike provided showcase how targeted support can significantly improve a child's life. As she progresses in her rehabilitation, this equipment will continue to play a crucial role in her development and happiness. Everyone at AFK is proud and grateful to be included in this month’s poll. They hope you can consider finding our more about all the charities and using your very precious vote for AFK.