Care

Friends of Shenstone School

June 17, 2026By

Confidence and Mobility for Children with Severe Learning Difficulties

The Axis Foundation has awarded £4,100 to Friends of Shenstone School to fund a specialist adaptive trike.

“Thank you so much for this incredible support – it will make a huge difference to our children.”
— Olimpia Erdogan
The trike will allow all pupils to participate in physical activity, regardless of ability.
Use of adaptive trikes improves motor skills, balance, coordination, and confidence, while also supporting emotional regulation and wellbeing.
And the donation will benefit all pupils, promoting independence, resilience, and enjoyment through inclusive play
Shenstone School supports children aged 2–11 with severe learning difficulties. Learn more about Friends of Shenstone School here 
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Bedroom with adapted lifting beds and hoistCare

The Sandcastle Trust

June 17, 2026By

Respite for families affected by rare genetic conditions

The Sandcastle Trust supports families affected by rare genetic conditions through tailored wellbeing services, counselling, peer support and vital respite opportunities.

We awarded them £10,000 to contribute towards a bespoke three-bedroom wheelchair-adapted caravan on the Sussex/Kent coast.

This will enable around 312 people each year to access inclusive family breaks, improving mental health, easing pressure on carers, and strengthening relationships in families while reducing isolation and emotional strain.

“We are incredibly grateful to the Axis Foundation for this generous support. This funding will help us expand our respite provision, giving more families the opportunity to reconnect, recharge and create positive memories together in a fully accessible environment. It will make a real difference to families who rarely get the chance to take a break” – Danielle Singleton, Head of Service Delivery & Operations

From a parent

“Our youngest daughter, Bella, is 7 and lives with a rare genetic condition called SCN2A  that causes frequent seizures and affects her development. She needs constant care and monitoring, day and night. Finding somewhere accessible that meets Bella’s needs is a huge challenge. And even when we do, it’s often far too expensive. Because Bella needs her own quiet, controlled space for her equipment and alarms, we can’t share rooms in the way most families can.

That’s why the Sandcastle Trust’s plans for a fully accessible three-bedroom caravan would make such a difference to us.
It would mean Bella could have the space she needs to be safe and comfortable… It would mean we could all go away together, without the stress, without the worry, and actually enjoy time as a family.

It would give us something we don’t often get: the chance to rest, to recharge, and to create precious memories together.”

More about The Sandcastle Trust

Based in East Sussex, The Sandcastle Trust supports families across the UK living with rare genetic conditions, which collectively affect around 3 million people. These conditions often bring complex, lifelong challenges, including high levels of anxiety, social isolation and significant financial pressure, with many families unable to access suitable support or affordable respite care.

Through its Family Respite Service, counselling, peer support and online wellbeing hub, the charity delivers measurable impact. In the past year, 1,076 individuals were supported directly, alongside thousands of online engagements, with 98% of families reporting improved quality of life and 82% reporting stronger family relationships.

More here

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Care

Samuel’s Charity

June 16, 2026By

Recovery and support for seriously ill children in At Home project

Samuel’s Charity supports seriously and terminally ill children and their families with practical, emotional and financial assistance, both in hospital and at home.

We donated £1,000 towards sensory and educational equipment for their At Home project. The project reduces hospital stays and supports families to manage complex care needs more effectively.

““I am very grateful for the support the Axis Foundation donated. It means we can continue to support children going through the worst time of their lives with meaningful and hope-filled support.

“It is often overlooked how much ‘normality’ means to a sick child. Being able to play, to do schoolwork. What it really does is tell the child that there is a tomorrow, that there is hope that this awful time will end. Thank you”– Martin Leib, Trustee

More about the At Home project

The At Home Project supports seriously and terminally ill children to leave hospital safely and continue recovery at home, while ensuring families receive coordinated practical, emotional and financial support. Working in partnership with hospital wards, the service enables a safe transfer home and ongoing care in the community.

Around 15% of children who are medically fit for discharge remain in hospital due to lack of support. The project supports 250–300 children annually and frees up approximately 900 bed days per hospital, enabling 50–100 additional children to access care sooner and reducing costs by around £1.3 million.

Children recover better at home with improved wellbeing and reduced depression. Families also benefit from reduced stress, improved resilience and lower risk of relationship breakdown during prolonged hospital stays.

More about Samuel’s Charity

Based in Dunstable and supporting families across London and the South East, including through St George’s Hospital in Wandsworth, Samuel’s Charity delivers coordinated care that bridges the gap between hospital and home. Its work improves outcomes for children, supports families and reduces pressure on NHS services.
More here

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Community

Grace Cares CIC

June 16, 2026By

Refurbished pre-loved care equipment improves independence, safety and wellbeing of vulnerable people

Grace Cares CIC refurbishes and redistributes pre-loved care equipment, often from landfill, supporting vulnerable people while reducing waste and strengthening community care provision.

We provided £12,000 to fund specialist repair tools, safety testing equipment and storage. Our donation helped Grace Cares improve independence, safety and wellbeing of vulnerable people, while ensuring essential equipment is available quickly and affordably to those in need. This investment will directly support 250–300 people and benefit a further 400–600 individuals,

“We are incredibly grateful to the Axis Foundation for this transformative support. This funding allows us to increase our capacity, reach more people in need and ensure vital equipment is delivered safely and efficiently to those who rely on it” – Nicky Jones, Fundraising Assistant

More about Grace Cares CIC

Based in Staffordshire, Grace Cares CIC is a not-for-profit organisation committed to making care more sustainable environmentally, socially and financially. By rescuing equipment from landfill and redistributing it through community networks, the organisation generates significant social value while supporting older people, disabled adults and unpaid carers. Its work continues to expand through strong partnerships and growing demand.

There’s more about their work here

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white van centre with three people and balloons plus large signCare

MammaKind

June 16, 2026By

New van delivers essential items to families

MammaKind is a baby bank dedicated to preventing and relieving poverty for families with children under six.

Our grant of £5,000 helps MammaKind buy a dedicated delivery van for their “Bundles of Joy” project. The investment will enable the charity to deliver essential items directly to families in need, benefiting around 3,000 people in the first year, reducing financial pressure, improving wellbeing and giving children the best start in life.

“We are incredibly grateful to the Axis Foundation for this generous support. Having our own van will transform how we deliver our Bundles of Joy, allowing us to reach families faster and more efficiently.

“It means we can focus our resources where they are needed most — supporting children and parents through incredibly challenging circumstances. This donation will make a lasting difference to the families we serve” – Kirsty Lowe, Founder

More about MammaKind

Based in Lewisham, London, MammaKind is a baby bank dedicated to preventing and relieving poverty for families with children under six. Through its core “Bundles of Joy” service, the charity provides tailored packages of essential items — including nappies, clothing, toys, books and larger equipment such as prams and cots — working in partnership with over 40 frontline organisations including social workers, midwives and children’s centres.

With child poverty reaching up to 37% in the boroughs it serves, MammaKind’s work delivers measurable impact, with the majority of families reporting improved wellbeing, reduced financial stress and greater engagement with support services. The charity plays a vital role in improving health, development and long-term life chances.

There’s more here

 

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wooden platform by riverDonations

Holm Place Anglers

June 16, 2026By

Providing outdoor activity and inclusive community engagement through fishing

Holm Place Anglers provides free fishing experiences to children and adults, supporting wellbeing, confidence and access to nature through inclusive, community-led activities.

The Axis Foundation contributed £790 to fund seating equipment, aerator pumps, volunteer DBS, scaffold boards, and wood to repair broken seats. This will support around 300 1-hour fishing sessions in 2026, improving access to structured outdoor learning, promoting wellbeing and ensuring a safe, inclusive environment for all participants.
“Thank you to all at Axis for the very kind donation to our fishing club. This funding will help make a real difference to the children and families we will now be able to support and provide these valuable experiences” – Neil Ballard, Chairman

More about Holm Place Anglers

Located in Swale, Kent, Holm Place Anglers is a volunteer-led initiative that has been delivering inclusive fishing opportunities since 1977. The organisation works closely with local schools, including SEN provision, and continues to provide free fishing that supports mental health, learning and community engagement for all.
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Disability

Weir Archer Academy Athletics Club

April 29, 2026By

Boosting inclusion, health and confidence through athletics opportunities

Weir Archer Academy Athletics Club provides inclusive athletics opportunities for disabled people, supporting physical health, confidence, social connection and competitive development.

The Axis Foundation donated £2,418 to purchase sprint timing gates and weighted training sleds, enabling athletes and coaches to accurately measure performance and enhance training programmes. Over 40 athletes, club members and supporters will benefit, improving engagement, motivation and performance while introducing new technology that supports both grassroots participation and elite progression.
“A huge thank you from everyone at Weir Archer for this amazing support. The athletes and coaches are thrilled, and this equipment will make a lasting difference to training, performance and enjoyment across the club” – Elissa Metzgen, Fundraising Team

More about Weir Archer Academy Athletics Club

Based in Kingston-upon-Thames, Surrey, the club supports disabled athletes of all abilities, from beginners and race enthusiasts to those competing at national and international level, including Paralympians and Commonwealth Games athletes. It provides a welcoming, community-focused environment that benefits athletes and their families while promoting long-term participation in sport.
More here
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Young boy in blue shirt in wheelchairCare

Enhanced Quality of Life for George

April 28, 2026By

Specialist equipment enhances mobility, health and quality of life for George

George Tappenden lives with spinal muscular atrophy and continues to inspire others through advocacy, fundraising and raising awareness of disability inclusion and accessibility.

We donated £11,000 to purchase a specialist Innowalk for George. This piece of equipment enables George to get into a standing position and move his legs. It helps him with many physical functions including bone density, lung capacity, circulation and overall wellbeing.

“This is the best news ever. We are beyond grateful to the Axis Foundation for supporting George once again and helping him access the equipment he needs to stay strong, healthy and active” – Lucy Frost, Co-founder of TreatSMA and George’s mother

Our support will benefit George directly and also enable a second child to benefit: George’s current equipment will be donated, extending the impact and supporting another family in need.

More about George

Based in Kent, George has raised hundreds of thousands of pounds for charities and received national recognition, including a National Diversity Award and a BAFTA for his advocacy work.

The Axis Foundation previously supported George with £3,000 towards his first mobility chair at the age of just two, demonstrating a long-standing commitment to improving his independence and quality of life.

You can read about our first donation here

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Care

Supporting Wellbeing and Dignity During Cancer Treatment

April 22, 2026By

A new wig for Siobhan supports her wellbeing and dignity during cancer treatment.

The Trustees of Axis Foundation awarded £2,200 to fund a real hair wig for Siobhan, a cancer patient who has been undergoing treatment since 2016. The grant will cover the full cost of the wig, removing a significant financial burden and ensuring Siobhan’s wellbeing and dignity during treatment.

Siobhan said:
“I just wanted to personally express how appreciative I am to you and your fellow trustees for raising the funds for my human hair wig. I lost my hair back in 2016 when I first started chemotherapy treatment, and it made me extremely depressed. When my cancer progressed to my brain, I knew further treatment could mean losing my hair again, and I even questioned whether to continue because quality of life is just as important as longevity.

“I have now completed over 170 rounds of chemotherapy, and the cold cap treatment has been painful and difficult. I started researching wigs, but the only ones that looked natural were human hair — and I simply couldn’t justify the cost. I didn’t want something that looked obvious; I just wanted to feel like myself again.

“Thanks to your support, this has become a reality. It has lifted a huge burden and I hope it will help me feel confident and like myself again.

“No words can truly express how much this means to me.”

More about Siobhan

Siobhan has faced an extraordinary journey, undergoing more than 170 rounds of chemotherapy, with her cancer now having spread to the brain. Despite this, she continues to support others — hosting coffee mornings for fellow cancer patients and fundraising for charities — while raising her two children.

Hair loss has been one of the most difficult aspects of her treatment. While NHS wigs were available, they did not provide the natural appearance she was seeking. A real hair wig offers a far more realistic solution, helping restore confidence at a time when treatment is both physically and emotionally demanding.

The Foundation’s support removes the remaining costs for Siobhan who is medically retired and living on limited income.

A Personal Recommendation

On hearing about Siobhan through a friend, Sally Hayes who is the wife of Foundation Founder John Hayes, recommended an application to the Axis Foundation. As always, the Trustees were delighted to help.

“It means a great deal to us to be able to support Siobhan in this way. She is a very remarkable woman. And we hope the wig brings her confidence and comfort. ” – Mick Hayes, Axis Foundation Trustee

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Disability

East Liverpool Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA

April 1, 2026By

New Hoist Opens Up Riding to Individuals with Complex Mobility Needs

At Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA), horses benefit the lives of over 20,000 disabled children and adults.

The Axis Foundation has awarded £10,815 to East Liverpool Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) to fund a new rider hoist system.

“Thank you so much for this fantastic news. We are delighted to be able to extend our reach and support even more people in our community”  — Natalie Burns, Chair and Founder

Equine therapy improves physical health, confidence, emotional resilience, and social connection. The hoist also strengthens safeguarding and reduces manual handling risks for staff and volunteers.

And our investment will further unlock 10 additional hours of sessions per week, supporting up to 19 more participants weekly. It will remove barriers for individuals with complex mobility needs, enabling greater independence and participation.

More about East Liverpool Riding for the Disabled Association

East Liverpool Riding for the Disabled is an independent community run charity set up to provide equine assisted therapy and riding sessions for children and adults in Merseyside.

At Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA), horses benefit the lives of over 20,000 disabled children and adults. With fun activities like riding and carriage driving, they provide therapy, fitness, skills development and opportunities for achievement – all supported by 13,000 volunteers and qualified coaches at over 400 RDA centres all over the UK.

There’s more about East Liverpool Riding for the Disabled Association here

 

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