PiMS Workspace Urges Hampshire Companies to
Support Disabled Children
13-year-old Shelbi Grist of Waterlooville, Hampshire now has the freedom to explore her hometown thanks to her brand new, powered Beetle wheelchair. The wheelchair has been donated by local company PiMS Workspace, who was introduced to Shelbi through the national children’s mobility charity Whizz-Kidz.
Shelbi is a bubbly, friendly teenager who likes socialising with friends and is a keen wheelchair basketball player, with her sights firmly set on qualifying for the Great British 2012 Paralympic team. As Shelbi has McCune Albright Syndrome with Fibrous Displaysia, this causes her bones to break very easily, so she is unable to walk unaided and uses a wheelchair to move around outside.
Shelbi’s original NHS wheelchair was old and unreliable. Even a short trip to the shops was difficult for her to do alone. Concerned that their teenaged daughter desperately needed some independence, Shelbi’s parents, Paul and Rachel Grist, contacted Whizz-Kidz to apply for a new £7,200 powered wheelchair.
Martin Atkinson, Managing Director of PiMS Workspace, the leading UK provider of tailored accommodation requirements, based in Waterlooville, first heard of Whizz-Kidz and the work it does for thousands of children across the UK, whilst listening to the radio in his car. Martin explains, “I have been fortunate to get where I am and I believe giving something back to the local community is important. Whizz-Kidz really struck a chord for me. I hope Shelbi’s story will encourage other local businesses to donate as much as they can”
The new wheelchair means Shelbi can enjoy life like any other 13-year-old. Even in the first few weeks it has made a huge difference, as she explains, “The best thing about the new wheelchair is it works! The battery lasts loads longer and it is much better at climbing slopes and kerbs.”
Shelbi’s dad, Paul Grist adds, “She has already made her first trip to the bus stop and into town to meet her mates. Her mum was texting her all the way, but the important thing is she now has her independence and does not worry about the wheelchair stopping.”
“Whizz-Kidz has changed the lives of over 7,500 children since 1990,” says Regional Fundraising Manager at Whizz-Kidz, Ashley Westpfel. “It costs an average of £9,000 to assess and provide a child with the right mobility equipment, including qualified therapist support and wheelchair skills training to ensure children get the most from their equipment and learn essential road safety skills. Working with local companies like PiMS Workspace we are able to speed up this process and change kids’ lives, often overnight.”
Martin adds, “The attention to detail and care that Whizz-Kidz puts into making sure the equipment it sources meets children’s individual mobility needs is brilliant. It’s a great feeling knowing we can make a difference to Shelbi and we will be continuing to help as often as we can, both with Shelbi and other children.”
Shelbi is currently training with her local wheelchair basketball team, however in order to progress she is in need of a £2,000 sports wheelchair, which will help her get closer to her Olympic ambition.
About Whizz-Kidz
Whizz-Kidz is a national children’s mobility charity that is all about giving disabled children the chance to lead a more independent life. Our service meets their individual mobility needs and ensures they get the right mobility equipment, advice and training, enabling them to lead a more independent life, at home, at school, or at play.
There are still over 70,000 children in the UK who need our support. Find out more and help move a life forward at www.whizz-kidz.org.uk
About PiMS Workspace
PiMS Workspace is a leading UK expert in effective workspace solutions, created to help organisations save money by making their assets work harder. Specialising in space analysis and planning, relocation, refurbishment management and CAFM implementation, the company was established in 1997, in response to an increased demand for efficient, scalable planning and independent move management services. The PiMS Workspace team has over 20 years experience of providing practical and comfortable working environments for global corporations.
Editorial contacts
Gemma Rees/Joanna Cannon
MCC International
tel: 01962 888100
email: pimspr@mccint.com