Whizz-Kidz marks £50million landmark » Communities » 24dash.com

National childrens mobility charity Whizz-Kidz has just reported reaching a £50m landmark in funds raised - since it was set up in 1990.

The charity has enjoyed some major corporate successes over the years, including being the official charity for the Flora London Marathon in 1999, and winning the prized Tesco Charity of the Year in 2006.

In addition, Whizz-Kidz partnership with Tower Hamlets Primary Care Trust, increasing childrens mobility in the London Borough, won a prestigious Dignity in Care London Health and Social Care Award, earlier this year.

The charity has also diversified the service is offers to young people; moving beyond the sole provision of equipment and rolling out a wheelchair skills training programme, and integrating personal life skills sessions to help the transition from childhood into adulthood. Whizz-Kidz' unique 'Kidz Board' network has grown steadily and the young ambassadors are now 250 strong, ensuring that beneficiaries themselves are the voice of the charity and that they play a role in its direction.

Ruth Owen, chief executive said;
"We are thrilled to have reached £50million, but theres no time to stop now - we aim to grow even further. We are dedicated to delivering the very best service we can to young wheelchair users; as well as meet the needs of the 70,000 children who desperately need mobility equipment in the UK."

Whizz-Kidz has changed the lives of over 7,500 disabled children since 1990 - often literally overnight. The average cost of a piece of equipment is £9,000, which includes an assessment by one of the charitys qualified therapists, the right piece of powered mobility equipment for that child, and maintenance for their wheelchair.

For more information on Whizz-Kidz, and to make a donation visit www.whizz-kidz.org.uk.