Connor McNeill (13) from Massey Court in Belfast recently received a life changing boost from the Energy for Children Charitable Trust, having successfully been awarded funding for a new trike to help with mobility.
Connor has a severe learning and physical disability known as Joubert Syndrome, which has left him wheelchair bound and requiring 24 hour care. Connor’s mum, Gillian, applied to the Charity for funding to aid in Connor’s mobility and helping him participate in more social activities.
The Charity awarded Connor a new specialist trike, enabling Connor to play outside and ride his trike through the park for the first time, improving his health and wellbeing.
Mum Gillian explains, “As Connor is confined to a wheelchair, he finds it hard to join in activities that other children are doing, often simple things like riding a bike through the park. Connor had the opportunity of trying out a trike with his school, Glenveagh Special School, and when we saw the smile on his face we just knew we had to get him a trike of his own.
“Connor is delighted with his trike and often doesn’t want to get out of it! Thanks to Energy for Children, Connor is now able to play outside and have a much more active social life. We can’t thank Energy for Children enough for their support.”
Charity Liaison Officer, Geri Wright, said, “I’m delighted to see how much of a difference this trike has made to Connor’s life. With Connor’s condition restricting him to a wheelchair, it’s great to see him now enjoying outside activities as every child should. This new sense of independence will greatly improve Connor’s health and wellbeing.
“This is exactly why the Charity exists, to help local children like Connor who are most in need and I’m thrilled to see the positive impact it is having on the McNeill family”, added Geri.
Energy for Children is an initiative of Phoenix Energy and the wider natural gas industry. The Charity was established in 2005 to provide financial support to groups and individuals that may slip through the net of the wider charity network.
Founded on the principle that ‘all monies raised go directly to local children and young people’, the Trust aims to reach deeper into the heart of local communities throughout Greater Belfast and beyond in order to really make a difference to disadvantaged children’s lives.
Since its formation, the trust has helped over 6,000 local children and every month continues to help those who need it most.
(Caption): Energy for Children Charity Liaison Officer, Geri Wright, congratulates Connor McNeill (13) and mum Gillian on receiving a specialist trike from the Energy for Children Charitable Trust for Connor to assist with mobility and social interaction.