South West

Stanley from Somerset is a vibrant, happy, bright boy who enjoys exploring the world and going out with his family. He has an undiagnosed neuromuscular condition that leaves him feeling increasingly fatigued as the day goes on. Since receiving a powered wheelchair from Variety, he has been getting up to all the types of mischief that a child his age should be.

Variety South West region has appointed Andy Ford as a Regional Ambassador.

Fourteen-year-old Jessica, who lives in Devon, has cerebral palsy, and is unable to stand or walk unaided. As she’s grown older, her muscles have increasingly stiffened, which is a result of having too much muscle tone – a feature of her condition. Not having the freedom to move independently has an impact on Jessica’s self-esteem, while a lack of physical exercise over the long-term means she may develop even more muscle tightness. It also places her at an increased risk of contracting a number of chronic diseases. Here, mum Katherine tells us about the life-changing difference an Innowalk from Variety has made to her daughter.