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Mollie’s story

August 2, 2023By

Helping care for a small child with Ataxia Telangiectasia (Louis-Bar syndrome)

Little Mollie has Ataxia Telangiectasia, a devastating, rare, inherited childhood neurological disorder. It affects the part of the brain that controls motor movement and speech.

The disease is also known as disease Louis-Bar syndrome. It is complex and additionally affects the lungs and immune system as well as causing sensitivity to radiation and increased risk of cancers.

It is also progressive and there is no cure. Decline starts increasing from age of five and little Mollie has recently turned six. It is most likely that is she will need a wheelchair by the age of 10.

Moved by the plight of Mollie, the Trustees of the Axis Foundation agreed to a donation of £11,133. This will purchase her a Mollii suit (designed to relax muscles through neurostimulation), a Gallileo vibration board (to help with muscle tone) and also some specialist physiotherapy.

Emily Barker, Mollie’s mother, said: “Thank you so much for your email – we are over the moon that Mollie’s application was successful and so grateful she will now have access to a Mollii suit and Galileo board along with the specialist therapy.

“Our little girl deserves the best opportunities and chance in life so thank you so much for helping to make this happen – it really means the world to us.”

“We realise that right now without a treatment available the best options for Mollie are to support her strength and abilities with specialist therapies. We are therefore currently planning a Mollie’s Miracle Family Funday in August – this will be to raise money directly for Mollie to take part in extra therapies such as horse-riding therapies and hydrotherapy to ensure we are doing all we can to keep her muscles strong and help fight the symptoms of this devastating disease.”

Molllie’s parents run Mollies Miracle, with support of friends and family, raising funds to research into Ataxia Telangiectasia. More information here

You can donate to Mollie’s Just Giving page here

Mollie’s Miracle Family Funday, Cliffe Woods Primary School, View Road, Kent ME3 8UJ – 12-4pm, Sunday 6 August

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Youth Talk

May 12, 2023By

Creating safe place for young people to talk in confidence

Youth Talk offers free, confidential counselling that improves the quality of life of children and young people in St Albans, Hertfordshire.

And our award of £10,000 to Youth Talk will help them fit out new, larger premises to create a more productive, safe and pleasant space for young people to talk in confidence. By creating eight counselling suites, the charity will double their current capacity: part of their five-year strategy is to double the number of 1:1 sessions they offer by 2026. It will also give the charity office and meeting spaces for the first time in its 25-year history.

 “Wow – what totally wonderful news. A HUGE thank you on behalf of everyone at the charity and more importantly thank you on behalf of the young people you will be supporting. Our new home is a critical part of our new five-year strategy for growth and we could not have done it without the tremendous support of the Axis Foundation” – David Barker, Chief Executive, Youth Talk

More About Youth Talk

Youth Talk is a registered charity and a Hertfordshire County Council approved provider of counselling psychotherapy. They offer free, confidential counselling that improves the quality of life of children and young people aged 13-25 in St Albans, Hertfordshire.

When young people seek support from Youth Talk, the most frequently reported symptoms include depression, anxiety and stress. Early support helps prevent mental health problems from worsening and enables young people to succeed at school and earn a living so they can support themselves and their families.

The charity believes that every young person should have a safe place to talk in confidence and get early support for their mental health needs, so they can move on with their lives and pursue their dreams.

More about their work here 

 

 

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Asthma Relief

December 5, 2022By

Our donation buys nebulisers for people with asthma.

Asthma Relief provides essential Medical Breathing Equipment such as nebulisers to hospitals, doctors’ surgeries, medical centres, hospices and palliative care teams.

The Axis Foundation was delighted to donate £5,700 to Asthma Relief to purchase 30 nebulisers to support their Hospices in London programme.

“Asthma Relief Charity was delighted to receive a grant of £5700.00 from the Axis Foundation. This grant will help support hospice patients in London who need nebuliser treatment as part of their vitally important palliative care. We have already allocated 20 nebulisers, 10 of which were placed at the Royal Trinity Hospice. We were absolutely thrilled to learn that the hospice now has a nebuliser available for every room on the Inpatient Unit!

On behalf of Asthma Relief Charity, the hospices, patients and carers we would like to say A HUGE THANK YOU to the Axis Foundation” – Dave Penman, Founder & Honorary Manager

More About Asthma Relief

The Swindon-based charity responds to urgent requests for nebulisers. Requests can come from anxious parents, patients, doctors, the isolated or the elderly. For all of them – they or a loved one may be struggling to breathe – every moment is precious.

Additionally, they aim to assist anyone whose life is restricted by a breathing condition to be able to go about their day as normally as possible. So, they might enable a child with severe breathing difficulties to go on family or school outings; or supply a machine for an older patient, helping them get out of the home and engage more. They can also support terminally ill patient to be at home to spend their final days with loved ones.

There’s more here here

“Thank you so much for the deliveries – they are hugely appreciated Now, more than ever, they are needed to keep people out of hospital and give them care wherever we can provide it. We will be distributing to care homes and suitable venues and we will make sure they are put to good use” – a Doctor

“Just a line to say a “Big Thank You” for not only sourcing a very much needed nebuliser for me but for getting it to us so quickly! I’ve been using it 4 times a day since Thursday and can already feel a huge relief. Thanks to you I can now breathe easier and deeper without wheezing. No words can ever thank you enough, during this stressful time. You are amazing people. People like myself wouldn’t survive without you. Thank You” – a patient

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Multiple Sclerosis Therapy Centre Norfolk

December 1, 2022By

We purchase a vital defibrillator providing independence and confidence for MS Centre users

Multiple Sclerosis Therapy Centre Norfolk aims to provide independence to all those with Multiple Sclerosis and all other neurological conditions.

The Axis Foundation’s donation of £1,500 will purchase a defibrillator for centre users: most have MS, are vulnerable or at risk. Whilst everyone benefits from the sessions here, purchasing a defibrillator will mean the centre can further fulfil their duty of care by minimising risk and increasing safety for users. Our grant will also provide training for staff in using the defibrillator.

“This Defib will make a huge difference to us, allowing vulnerable centre users feel confident in our care knowing there is a team and equipment available in the event of any emergency. This also makes the team at the centre feel confident that they can deal with possible situations and have the right equipment. We would like to say thank you too the Axis foundation for your support over the years” – Nick Petch, Volunteer Fundraiser

Our donations

This is our second donation to Multiple Sclerosis Therapy Centre Norfolk. In 2019 we donated £2,480 to help install a ramp entrance to the front of the centre which is housed in an old air traffic control tower.

More about Multiple Sclerosis Therapy Centre Norfolk

The centre offers  appropriate therapies and services including physiotherapy, yoga, Pilates, reflexology and podiatry to 400 users. There’s more about their work here 

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The Chartwell Children’s Cancer Trust

September 16, 2022By

We help develop new app for cancer patients

The Axis Foundation donated £10,000 to help The Chartwell Children’s Cancer Trust develop a brand-new app, the first of its kind in the UK, designed and created to help young cancer patients, families and clinical care teams.

‘As a charity we a have a tireless commitment to the oncology communities we serve. This technology-driven healthcare solution represents a hugely exciting step forward in how cancer patients and families are supported. We are delighted that the Axis Foundation shares our values and has invested in the development of this innovative app which is set to make a huge impact across the country. I would like to share heart-felt thanks on behalf of the team at the Trust and the beneficiaries of this project” – Michael Douglas, Charity founder and Trustee

“The commencement of the development phase would not have been possible without your support and the
process is yielding fantastic results working in collaboration with patients, families, technology and clinical
specialists. We are so grateful to work with like-minded funders such as yourselves who share our commitment to
this cause” – Natalie Reilly, Trustee

Our App will include:

• Clinical information about specific cancer diagnoses, treatment, procedures
• Explanations about clinical care teams/ surroundings
• Practical tips, advice, do’s and don’ts for caring for young patients
• Real life testimonials from children/ families
• Links to physical/ digital support groups, charities, organisations
• Research opportunities, clinical trials, funding

Aggregating critical up-to-date clinical information the app gives young cancer patients, families and clinical care teams access to comprehensive, high quality, evidence-based education resources direct to a phone or tablet.

It will assist families with decision-making, advance preparation for treatment, orientation around processes and care pathways and connection to support networks and resources within and beyond the NHS.

The team creating the app comprises experts in technology and software development, clinical care and Childhood Cancer Research, educational content creators, videographers and animators all working in close collaboration with hospital Trusts and Children’s Cancer Research specialists.

More about The Chartwell Children’s Cancer Trust

The Chartwell Children’s Cancer Trust supports Paediatric Oncology communities and local Cancer and Leukaemia services across London and the South East. They work in collaboration with the NHS from Princess Royal University Hospital, Queen Elizabeth Hospital Woolwich to King’s College Hospital, Guy’s Hospital and Croydon University Hospital to make vital improvements to patient care. Their goal is to allay information overwhelm, alleviate stress and feelings of isolation, optimise patient experience and improve health outcomes for patients. There’s more here

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Sea Change little children playing on check rugCare

Sea Change Trust

July 8, 2022By

We support Early Years’ Project

The Sea Change Trust offers psychological support to infants, children, young people and their parents and carers, regardless of financial means, background or status.

The Axis Foundation has donated £3,000 towards the cost of purchasing items for their Early Years’ Project including: an additional bell tent and porch, a heater, camping chairs, arts and crafts materials, toys and sensory equipment, a ball pit, windbreakers, blankets, cushions and beanbags, banners, and a tablet to record feedback.

‘We’d like to thank the Axis foundation for their kind donation to our Early Years Project for equipment and very importantly, a new Bell Tent! At a time when services for young families are diminishing and cuts in public transport make accessing support more and more difficult in our rural county, we are delighted that this will help us take our drop-in sessions to more communities. Numbers at the drop-ins are growing and being able to buy a bigger tent will help us all be well ventilated and covid-safe while spending time together. Many, many thanks from all our therapists, parents, and babies’ –  Tess Bailey-Sayer, CEO, The Sea Change Trust.

More About Sea Change Trust

Based in Shropshire, The Sea Change Trust comprises a team of child specialists, experienced in the NHS Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services across the West Midlands and in other settings. They particularly want to address and redress the absence of specialist services in rural areas. The charity offers group and one to one support addressing loneliness and bereavement, anxiety and emotional and mental ill-health. Their careful referral process works in partnership with other charities and service providers. They work with young refugees and asylum seekers, with new parents and those with young children and with schools and other partner organisations, to support children, young people, parents, and teachers.

The Early Years Project provides safe and non-judgmental drop-in sessions run by qualified therapists, where pre-school children, parents and carers can share their experiences. The Sea Change Trust intends to deliver more sessions and support more families, particularly focusing on areas of social deprivation and rural isolation.

More about their work here

 

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LivedHealth

June 13, 2022By

Creating videos to help people with MS

People with MS and Parkinson’s host Lived Health‘s patient-led videos which empower patients and support carers.

The Axis Foundation’s 2022 donation of £3,000 helped fund LivedHealth’s video MS101 project in which hosts share their unique and honest perspectives on the issues of receiving and adapting to an MS diagnosis, and interview leading, international MS professionals on a range of topics.

“Many patients with MS feel lonely and isolated as they may not know anyone else with the condition that they can talk to or learn from. We’re incredibly grateful to the Axis Foundation for recognising the importance of patient-led resources and supporting us with our project” – Harriet Arnold, Trusts Fundraiser

The Foundation was delighted to learn that this video has been seen 170,000 times by an estimated 15,000 people in a year.

Second donation

And, in 2023, the Axis Foundation donated £4,000 to LivedHealth to make a follow up series of videos, exploring the topic of people with MS who believe their symptoms are getting worse, but whose belief is not supported by scan results. Thanking the Foundation for our second donation, Harriet Arnold said:

“We would like to extend our thanks to the Axis Foundation for your generous donation of £4,000 towards our “Is Smouldering MS the New MS?” video series. Last year, your donation of £3,000 was instrumental in the success of MS101; we are delighted that you have chosen to continue your support. This cutting-edge research topic could change the lives of people living with MS and, thanks to your donation, we can reach many more individuals in the community.

We are immensely grateful for your contribution to our cause here at LivedHealth. Your kindness will directly help those we serve and our whole team appreciates it. We look forward to continuing this partnership and keeping you updated with the progress of the new video series.”

See LivedHealth’s Thank You video here

More about LivedHealth videos

LivedHealth’s videos on YouTube and Facebook reach a wide and diverse global audience and support people with MS, their loved ones and healthcare professionals. They feature industry-leading international professionals, and provide fellow patients with the knowledge, skills and confidence to make positive lifestyle changes and optimise their engagement with health services.

See one of their videos here and find out more about LivedHealth here

 

 

 

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Funds For Frankie’s Family

June 13, 2022By

Supporting a young family

The Axis Foundation was delighted to support Frankie’s family when he received bad news about his health and was unable to work. We donated £1,000 to help support their baby, Olivia, who was born in June.

When Frankie and his partner were expecting their first baby, Frankie found out he had Stage 4 Melanoma cancer. He received the news on Christmas Eve 2021. And in January 2022, he underwent an operation to remove lymph nodes and afterwards started his chemotherapy. Frankie is self-employed, an electrician by trade, and is not able to work because of the treatment. His family is on a low income and unable to help him financially.

Sarah Cooper, Senior RLO at Axis, applied for this grant for Frankie: his family are Sarah’s neighbours, and Frankie was in the same class as Sarah’s son, so Sarah feels a close connection and wants to help.

Thanking the Foundation, Sarah Cooper said: “I spoke to Frankie’s Mum on Christmas Eve when she told me his cancer had progressed from Stage 1 to Stage 4. I went home and was really upset. Then I thought, ‘I can help’ – so I applied to the Foundation for some money to help him whilst he was unable to work. I was absolutely overwhelmed to hear that my application had been successful. Vouchers for the new baby will really help this young family. Frankie’s prognosis is good but he will be monitored for the next ten years. All his family, including his grandparents are extremely grateful to the Axis Foundation for their donation.”

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T.E.A.MS

March 7, 2022By

Improving well-being of MS sufferers

T.E.A.MS (Therapy, Exercise, Active, MS) provides people with MS with physical exercise, improving the mental and physical wellbeing of MS sufferers.

The Axis Foundation donated £1,400 to help T.E.A.MS purchase essential small items including a couch roll, oils, foam and half foam rollers, dyna bands as well as a massage bed.

“This funding will make such a difference to T.E.A.MS users. It will allow us to continue our work providing suitable therapies. Thank you to you and the other trustees for awarding us this grant” – Jacalyne Cebreiro, Sports Therapist, Personal Trainer and Sports Massage Therapist

Massage therapy by their qualified, experienced professionals (with 66 years experience in working with Multiple Sclerosis) is proven to help people with MS both physically (with aches, pain and fatigue) and mentally (relaxation).

More about T.E.A.MS

Everyone at T.E.A.MS has a deep knowledge and understanding of M.S. So, they provide invaluable advice and support, not only for the sufferer but for their families and carers too. And, as well as physical support like massage and exercise, the charity provides friendship and support to sufferers, offering a focus on positive living. Its overall aim is to maintain and improve both the physical and mental condition of those with MS and other similar neurological conditions

“T.E.A.MS has given me advice, exercise and true friendships that helps me immeasurably” – Emma

T.E.A.MS was founded in 2021 at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic when the restrictions of lockdown meant that therapy for MS Sufferers was even more vital.The charity is based in Brentwood, Essex where Axis works with the local council to support local residents keeping their home safe and comfortable.

More about T.E.A.MS here 

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Little Heroes

March 7, 2022By

Helping children and families affected by Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

The Axis Foundation donated £1,200 to help Little Heroes develop their monthly girls club sessions for parents and children. The charity helps families and children affected by ASD.

“This is fantastic news – thank you so much. The funds will really help to be able to make something more meaningful and help the children benefit to the full potential” – Kim Drake, Co-Founder

More about Little Heroes ASD Support Group

Official diagnosis of ASD can take a long time (sometime up to three years). Based in Southend on Sea, Essex, Little Heroes supports families when they need it most: as soon as they discover their child’s needs. They provide support, information, opportunities for respite, social activities and networking opportunities. They also hold weekly drop-in sessions and also organise social activities in the school holidays.

There’s more about Little Heroes here

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