Families living in Northern Ireland are able to access a free, fun, powered wheelchair, thanks to a new charity partnership.

The Mae Murray Foundation have teamed up with the UK assistive technology charity Designability to provide Wizzybugs to disabled children under 5.

The Wizzybugs are available through a loan scheme funded by charitable donations which means that families can have them for as long as their child can benefit at no charge.

Alex Leach, Early Years Powered Mobility Manager, Designability, said:

We have wanted to extend the reach of the Wizzybug Loan Scheme to families in Northern Ireland for some time and we are so pleased to be partnering with the Mae Murray Foundation, an inspiring charity based in Larne, to finally get there.

I am so looking forward to seeing the first child in Northern Ireland enjoying their independence with a Wizzybug.

The Wizzybug Loan Scheme is open to disabled children aged 14 months – 5 years living with disabilities such as cerebral palsy, spinal muscular atrophy, spina bifida and muscular dystrophy. However, the only real eligibility criteria is that a child is in need of greater independence, mobility and freedom.

Alix Crawford, Chairperson, Mae Murray Foundation, said:

As a ‘lived experience’ and membership led charity, we are delighted to be able to respond to requests from families to introduce Wizzybug in Northern Ireland. Championing another ‘first’ for the province, by linking with the experienced professionals at Designability, we can’t wait to see the impact this will make.

To find out more about the Wizzybugs, please visit https://designability.org.uk/meet-wizzybug/.

Image: Designability