Two Edinburgh families have expressed their delight after receiving specialist equipment that will make a dramatic difference to the lives of their profoundly disabled children.
The Handicapped Children’s Action Group secured funding from Aberdeen Standard Investments Charitable Foundation enabling it to purchase two specialist tricycles for the youngsters with special needs which will give them greater mobility, enhanced independence and improved co-ordination.
The smart-looking trikes are durable, portable and designed to ensure safe use in any situation, allowing riders to pedal alongside their peers. Despite the obvious benefits, with each piece of equipment priced at thousands of pounds, the costs are simply prohibitive for many families, and they are not available on the NHS.
To have applications for equipment granted is like a dream come true for families, explained the charity’s Carol Davies. “Often these children have only been able to watch from the sidelines so being able to provide this equipment gives them the ability to join in with others of their own age and have as normal a life as possible – the kind of life that most of us take for granted,” she said.
“We provide all kinds of equipment for children up to the age where they leave full time education and such is the demand that there is always a waiting list of families seeking support, so we rely on the generosity of the public, and support from organisations like the Aberdeen Standard Investments Charitable Foundation to help disabled children and families in need.”
Claire Drummond (pictured), head of charitable giving for Aberdeen Standard Investments Charitable Foundation, said: “We’re pleased to be able to support families in the communities that we operate, and this donation is being used to purchase equipment that will help the children’s everyday living in a number of ways which we hope will bring positive benefits to the whole family.”
Aberdeen Standard Investments Charitable Foundation was established in 2012 to formalise and develop the Group’s charitable giving globally. The Foundation seeks partnerships with smaller charities around the world, where funds can be seen to have a meaningful and measurable impact. It encourages its employees to use their time and skills to support its charitable projects. For more information visit
http://aboutus.aberdeen-asset.
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