A horse at the diamond centre that provides horse riding therapyDisability

The Diamond Centre

June 8, 2016By

We help more disabled riders enjoy horse riding

The Diamond Centre is a charity that provides horse riding facilities to support disabled children and adults. Horse riding is widely recognised to be beneficial for both physical and mental health, and 320 riders enjoy its positive effects at the centre every week.

Our funding will support a horse called Splash. The donation will cover the cost of his hay, hard feed, straw, veterinary fees and all other caring costs for an entire year.

“We are delighted that the Axis Foundation has sponsored Splash who, although little, is a big favourite with our riders. The donation will allow us to continue to offer horse riding for the disabled children – as well as enabling them to have fun!” – The Diamond Centre

More About The Diamond Centre

Based in Surrey, The  Diamond Centre specialises in all aspects of horse riding for the disabled including: dressage, carriage driving, vaulting and hippotherapy. Riders, all aged between 4 and 65, get to enjoy regular contact with horses with the assistance of an instructor. The experience of horse riding gives people independence, a sense of achievement, and most importantly, a smile on their faces.

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Disabled child in specialist mobility chairDisability

George Tappenden Fund

May 3, 2016By

Specialist mobility wheelchair for disabled toddler

Toddler George Tappenden lost the use of his legs due to Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) so the Axis Foundation donated £3,000 to help his family buy his new specialist mobility chair.

The chair supports George’s body and enables him to get around more easily, stand up, sit on the floor, play with his siblings and be able to experience a life closer to that of a typical, happy toddler. The specialist mobility chair cost £21,000: George’s family and friends organised successful fundraisers including raffles, quiz nights, balls and auctions to raise the required amount; our donation helped them reach the total they needed.

George’s mum, Lucy Frost said: “We want to thank the Axis Foundation and all the people who donated. It’s hard to believe that it was just before Christmas that we were told George had SMA, and when we were told how much the specialist mobility chair cost it felt like we were never going to get there – but we did. What is very hard as a mother is knowing that George will get worse, and everything he ever needs or uses is going to have to be designed to him. That’s why I hope people continue to be so kind and support us. Thank you.”

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13 year old charlie smiling after life enhancing operationDisability

Charlie Randell Fund

June 1, 2013By

Help and hope for sufferer of Spastic Cerebral Palsy

Charlie has suffered from Spastic Cerebral Palsy since birth, meaning that he is unable to control his limbs. The debilitating condition prevents him from being able to walk independently.

The Axis Foundation has answered a plea from Charlie’s family to help contribute towards his £55,000 operation, giving him a new lease of independence. Charlie’s family and friends have worked exceptionally hard to raise the rest of the money needed through fundraising events such as raffles, a school disco, race nights, a zumbathon and various ad hoc donations.

£5,000 from the Axis Foundation will go towards a life-enhancing operation called Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy, that aims to isolate the nerves that send ‘bad’ signals from the brain to the legs and hopefully give Charlie more control of the movement in his lower body. If the operation is successful, Charlie should become more flexible and be able to do more things – his ultimate aim is to be able to dress himself.

Charlie’s mum, Amanda Randell: “Everyone who has supported us has been fantastic and that includes Axis. This is a huge single donation and we have been blessed to have been awarded it. The money will be a massive help – we cannot stress how grateful we are”.

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Disabled child smiling in his new specialist car seatDisability

Harrison Smith Fund

March 21, 2013By

Specialist car seat brings mobility

Little Harry’s illness limits his mobility; to help him see more of the world, his parents can purchase a specialist car seat thanks to our donation.

At 13 months, genetic tests diagnosed Harry Smith with 1p36 Deletion Syndrome. This chromosome deficiency affects Harry’s growth, development, speech, hearing, sight, mobility, digestion and motor skills.

Harry’s grandparents set up the ‘Harrison Smith Future Care Fund’ to provide for his future care and Harry’s family and friends host fundraising events including a Valentine’s Day ball which raised £10,000. Harry’s family also applied to the Axis Foundation for £500 Axis Foundation to purchase a specialist car seat, which we were delighted to grant.

The new, lightweight car seat provides added comfort and support through extra-firm armrests. Most importantly, it has a padded swivel base which makes transferring Harry from his wheelchair into the car a much easier process.

“Before we had the new seat it was difficult to transfer Harry without making him feel uncomfortable and hurting our backs leaning into the car” explained Jenny, Harry’s mum.

“We would just like to thank you for donating Harry’s new specialist car seat. It swivels so Harry can be lifted into the car so much easier and is so much more comfortable for him. It will last for a very long time as there is lots of room in it for Harry to grow.”

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Axis MD Joe Ibrahim hands over new mini bus to the Tabor Centre.Disability

Tabor Centre

March 5, 2013By

Wheelchair-accessible minibus for disabled adults

The Tabor Centre in Essex provides daytime care for over 80 severely disabled adults and respite for their full time family carers. The Axis Foundation’s donation part-funded the purchase of a wheelchair accessible minibus, used to transport members comfortably and safely.

Anthea Cooper, Tabor’s Centre Manager, explained in her funding application: “Accessible transport is key to our service, without it we cannot operate as our members disabilities mean they’re unable to travel in conventional ways. The day trips this vehicle will facilitate are the only opportunity for many of our members to leave their home and meet other people.”

“Your donation and this vehicle will enhance the lives of our severely disabled members” – Tabor Centre Manager, Anthea Cooper

More About The Tabor Centre

The Tabor Centre has been active for over twenty years, providing professional care and support to severely disabled adults, about 50% of whom have Multiple Sclerosis. The day centre provides educational classes, counselling, therapy and importantly a congenial and friendly atmosphere for people that visit.
Our ultimate aims are the rehabilitation of our members to enable them to participate and become part of their local community and for their carers to have a better quality of life.

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