Posted:07-January-2020
InXpress Gives Back: Harry gets the wheelchair of his dreams in time for Christmas
For the past few months, InXpress franchisees in the UK, have been fundraising for a cause very close to one of the network’s hearts and they are delighted to announced that they have reached their target! This means that one young boy received a brand-new, life-changing wheelchair, just in time for Christmas.
Back in the summer last year, Simon Richardson, owner of InXpress Nottingham North, covering Derbyshire & Nottinghamshire, instigated this hugely worthy fundraising initiative. Simon’s stepson, Oliver has a schoolfriend, Harry, who needed some help. Harry has cerebral palsy. He can’t talk but communicates using his eyes via an eye gaze computer system.
Harry is a bright boy, but he struggles to control his body due to his condition, and his wheelchair was only suitable for use at home, leaving him housebound. The InXpress Gives Back committee wanted to help make a difference to this amazing boy.
Harry had tested a wheelchair at a disability show he had attended with his mum, Lisa, and it was perfect for giving him access to the outside world, but it was very expensive. InXpress pledged to raise the £2227 needed to buy Harry this chair.
One of InXpress’ core values is to Give Back, and throughout the year, various causes are supported either through fundraising or volunteering time. To raise money for this cause, a donations page was set up and the network was asked to support this. One franchisee in Reading, Craig Atkins, also took on the World’s number one snooker player, Ronnie O’Sullivan to help raise funds!
On the weekend before Christmas, Simon invited Harry and Lisa, over to his family house, telling them that there was surprise for them! There, Harry’s perfect wheelchair was unveiled! “Lisa and Harry were both over the moon when the doors opened, and the wheelchair was all set up” said Simon. “Lisa was quite emotional, while Harry was thrilled. Over the weekend he went out and about in it, including around the country and some pretty rough terrain, but the new wheelchair could handle it, as it has tyres which are suitable to get across rough ground. I’m still buzzing about the whole thing as I know this will make such a difference to Harry and his family, as he’s no longer limited by his chair”. Lisa said, “There’s no excuse for Harry not to come out and about on walks now!”
Jon White, Country Manager for the UK said “We’re absolutely delighted that our fantastic network of franchisees and the support centre, have helped Harry to get a new wheelchair that will help make life a bit easier for him and his family. Giving Back is at the heart of what we do at InXpress and this is a great demonstration of how it helps make a difference”.
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