AN AMAZING mum from Rowlands Castle is to run a half marathon in aid of a charity that revolutionised the life of her disabled son.
Suzie Holland believes more disabled children should have access to a Wizzybug after seeing the impact the powered wheelchair had on her son Harry.
Wizzybug producers, Designability, loaned one of their wheelchairs to the five-year-old, who is unable to walk or stand due to a rare muscle condition called Core Myopathy.
The results were amazing so his mum decided to sign up for the Bath Half Marathon in a bid to help the charity that has changed the life of Harry and his family.
She said: “There are huge price tags attached to any type of special needs equipment, so finding Harry a suitable power chair was tricky.
“I was lucky to find out about the amazing charity, Designability, who make and provide the Wizzybug wheelchair free of charge.
“The Wizzybug has been fantastic for him, allowing him to keep up with his friends and maintain his independence which can be difficult when you’re unable to move on your own.”
Designability relies on donations to produce and loan out their “fun” powered wheelchairs to UK children aged 14 months to five years.
The NHS does not generally fund powered wheelchairs for children under five, leaving parents struggling to find the money for expensive alternatives.
Suzie wants to help other children have the same experiences that her son has enjoyed so the 33-year-old is more than happy to be put through her paces in the West Country.
“The Wizzybug has changed Harry’s life and our life as a family,” said the mother-of-two, who hopes to raise £1,000 for Designability through www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Suzie-Holland
“Running the Bath Half Marathon for Designability to try and raise as much money as possible is the best way I can think of saying ‘thank you’ so they can continue to help other families in the future.”
“The Bath Half will be a challenge but it’s one I’m looking forward to. My two brilliant little boys and lovely husband will be there on the day, at the start and finish, which is the best motivation I can ask for.”
For information about Designability and the Wizzybug loan scheme visit www.designability.org.uk or call 01225 824103.