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Charity Newlife joins Southborough family's urgent appeal for specialist pushchair for disabled daughter
10:50, 21 October 2020
updated: 12:13, 21 October 2020
A mother unable to take her children for family days out because of her daughter’s complex disabilities is fundraising to buy her the specialist buggy she desperately needs.
One-year-old Jennifer England from Southborough near Tunbridge Wells was diagnosed with development delay and hypotonia at three months old.
It means she struggles to communicate, has minimal muscle tone and may never be able to walk.
Although Jennifer loves to play with big brothers Jacob, 10, and Tyler, 11, the condition means she is unable to develop like other children.
Regular pushchairs are not supportive enough for the tot, who turns two on Friday, so the family could not even leave the house for fresh air during lockdown.
Mother Georgina England explains: “Jennifer uses a standard pushchair but slouches and doesn’t sit upright; there’s no support there to keep her safe.
“I have to keep making sure she’s in the right position.
“If she does go out in the chair it makes her ache and it’s really bad for her posture. Her brothers would love to go out with her as a family but we just can’t."
With the help of Newlife, a charity which supports disabled children, Mrs England has launched an urgent appeal with the hope of raising £895 to cover the costs of the chair.
Mrs England said it would mean the world to Jennifer and hopes the money can be raised in time for when she starts nursery next month.
The specialist buggy will come with a tray which will help Jennifer when eating and give her a place to interact with sensory toys.
Carrick Brown, senior manager for Newlife’s Child and Family Team, said: “It’s heartbreaking that Jennifer and her family are suffering and she’s being held back because they can’t get immediate access to this specialist buggy.
“Everyone wants the best for their child and this equipment would make such a huge difference to not only Jennifer’s life but her family’s too.
“While we’d love to be able to provide her with the buggy immediately, the pandemic has left us in a position where we sadly don’t have the funding.
“We’re hoping the people of Kent can make a contribution towards our appeal – no matter how big or small – so Jennifer and her brothers can go out and make special memories together.”
To support the fundraiser, contact Newlife on 01543 431 444 or click here.
You can also text NEWLIFE JENNIFER to 70500 to give £10 to the appeal.
Texts cost the £10 donation plus one message at your standard network rate and 100% of the donation will go towards Newlife.