Variety Club - The Children's Charity

The Variety Club Children's Charity supports Northamptonshire teenager on road to independence

02nd July 2008

Seventeen year old Anandi Van Der Walt from Weldon, Northamptonshire, is the proud owner of a new Permobil C400 wheelchair thanks to the Variety Club Children's Charity.

Anandi, who uses a Communication Aid said:

“I love my new wheelchair; it enables me to take part in play activities at school and dance. It also gives me independence to go where I want to go. I would advise anyone up to the age of 19 who needs a wheelchair to contact the Variety Club for help with funding towards a wheelchair to gain independence which is rightfully theirs.”    

Anandi's mum, Judy said; 

“Prior to Anandi’s new powerchair, Variety Club’s Easy Riders Scheme provided Anandi with a Koala Wheelchair.  She had that for around seven years and eventually a new chair was required.  And thanks to Easy Riders my daughter's life has completely changed since she got her 1st wheelchair and she can now continue having independent mobility. As Anandi has a deteriorating condition, independent mobility is one of the few things she can still enjoy. We are indebted to Easy Riders, for its generous donation of £10,500 towards making it happen.  If it was not for the generosity of The Variety Club, Anandi’s options would be limited. Thankfully the Variety Club recognises the importance of supporting differently abled people to live their lives to the full…”

Norman Kaphan, Variety Club's Chief Barker said:

"For twenty years the Variety Club Children's Charity has been supporting disabled children on the road to independence through our 'Easy Riders Wheelchairs for Kids' scheme. We are looking to actively increase the number of applicants we receive. And our aim is to ensure children throughout the UK have access to the most appropriate equipment to give them as independent a life as possible."

The children's charity is urging more disabled children and their families to apply for wheelchairs.  The Variety Club provides free equipment through its Easy Riders Wheelchairs for Kids campaign. All applications must be accompanied by a letter from a qualified occupational therapist or physiotherapist.

Please contact Variety's Easy Riders team on 020 7428 8100 or e-mail wheelchairs@varietyclub.org.uk for more information.