Ethos Public Relations Manchester

New wheelchair for 2012 Paralympic hopeful

by Ethos public relations

A 21-year-old Redditch woman with cerebral palsy is aiming for the 2012 Paralympics in London - thanks to a brand new motorised wheelchair from national charity Action for Kids.

Leanna Horne received her new Pride Quantum Powered Wheelchair in October and is already enjoying her new-found freedom and greater sense of independence.

"This wheelchair is fantastic," she said. "It has really given me a new lease of life and the fact that I can get out and about on my own, and be really independent is just brilliant!"

The new chair means that Leanna no longer has to rely on others around her to do things - something she particularly didn't like when she had a manual wheelchair - and is thoroughly enjoying getting out and about on her own. With better mobility and a greater sense of independence, Leanna's confidence is growing every day.

Leanna is in her second year at Worcester University, where she is studying for a drama degree, and the new chair enables her to get around the campus without any difficulty. Also a keen Shot Putter, Leanna hopes to make it to the 2012 Paralympics, and believes the new wheelchair will really help her to reach her goal.

"I am training as much as I possibly can - going to the gym and lifting weights at home to build up the strength in my arms, and I really hope I can make it into the 2012 selection," she said. "It would be amazing to represent my country at the 2012 Paralympics, and I feel that this new chair will really help me achieve my dream."

Disability charity Action For Kids provided over £4,000 to buy and maintain the Pride Quantum Powered Wheelchair, which not only helps to support Leanna and improve posture, but also has a riser facility, so Leanna can now lift herself to reach heights she previously couldn't get to, which will really help her with the Shot Put.

Sally Bishop, Founder of Action For Kids said: "We're always pleased to help support young people like Leanna and we are thrilled that the chair is helping make such a valuable difference. We know the chair will offer her fantastic physical and emotional benefits and we look forward to hearing how she gets on over the next few months. We will definitely all be supporting her in her efforts to make the 2012 Paralympic squad as well!"

To find out more about Action For Kids and its work, visit www.actionforkids.org.

Posted at 4^th December 2009