Help us raise £10,000 to buy vital kit for Serennu children's centre, Newport

The appeal aims to provide the Serennu Children’s Centre in Newport with specialised equipment for children with disabilities or developmental difficulties to use as part of their assessment and treatment therapy sessions.

Argus readers backed the Sparkle appeal to build the centre, now we are asking you again to help children living in Newport, Monmouthshire and Torfaen.

And we have great news on day one of our appeal - the Greggs Foundation has kicked it off with a £2,000 donation.

Sparkle hopes the equipment will enable children to use it in a relaxing environment at a time when many parents are upset by equipment highlighting their child’s disability.

Mum Fran Wilson, 51, of Rogerstone, said her daughter Darcie Jenkins would benefit from the equipment library as it means they can ‘try before they buy’.

Six-year-old Darcie attends Maes Ebbw School. She has Down’s Syndrome and suffers from mobility problems and epilepsy.

Described as a “beautiful, determined little girl”, Darcie has learnt to walk with the help of Sparkle, but much of her movement is aided by a wheelchair.

“Darcie’s mobility is not that great; she didn’t walk until she was four,” her mum said. “I am hoping that this will help us to try before we buy, as this will give us the opportunity to see what is available.

“Sometimes the product isn’t suitable and we have waited months for it. The equipment library means we can avoid this.”

The appeal centres on a piece of equipment called TinyTRAX, a powered wheelchair which would enable children from 20 months up to eight years to learn the foundation skills required for driving an electric wheelchair in a fun and personalised way.

Children using TinyTRAX will develop new skills, improve mobility and develop greater independence.

Alongside the TinyTRAX, which costs around £6,000, we hope to buy other items Lisa Pearson business development manager at Sparkle said: “The Serennu Children’s Centre is an amazing place which gives support to so many local children.

“We hope to provide them with an equipment library so they have the opportunity to try a variety of things to help their development.

“Please support us in our appeal by making a donation today.

“Your kind generosity is appreciated by all our children and their families.”

There are two ways to donate. The easiest is by sending a text on your mobile. To donate, simply text SGCF14 and then the amount you wish to donate to 70070. For example, text SGCF1410 to donate £10. Donations can also be made by calling the Sparkle office on 01633 748092. Ask to speak to Lisa Pearson.

The other equipment we hope to buy for the Serennu Centre children:

Quest 88 Walking Frame, £317.50.
It is a basic rollator walking aid for children requiring additional support to walk. Without the aid of equipment like this the child has no freedom to move.

Nessie, £225. This is a positioning system for supporting a child, normally with a more severe disability, in a variety of positions on the floor. This will help them to develop skills, strengthen
muscles and engage in play activities.

Wiz K walker, £540. This is a forward- facing walker which can be used for assessing a child with developmental delay. This is often the first walker to be introduced to a small child which
supports and enhances the child’s mobility and gives them freedom.

2x Gymnic anti-burst physio roll plus peanut, £94.41. These peanut-shaped therapy balls are used for children with complex needs to develop strength and movement skills.

W1 Kaye Walker, £588. This is a forward-facing foldable walker by Quest 88 for use in assessment and treatment sessions.

Leckey Squiggles Stander, £1,500.
This is an early years standing frame which can be used prone, upright and supine. This stander can be used to assess a child’s needs for an initial standing frame.

Small Pacer walker, £1,349. This is a supportive walker for a child with complex physical needs which can be used for both assessment and treatment purposes.