Invacare

A talented footballer from Weston-Super-Mare has been awarded a specially-designed wheelchair.

Jonathon Broadfield, 16, from Locking, has cerebral palsy but recently started playing for Swindon Rockets Powerchair FC, and was using his standard electric wheelchair until coaches recommended contacting national charity Caudwell Children.

Jonathon said: "I'm really pleased. The new wheelchair means that I am as quick and powerful as the other players on the team."

The Invacare Powerchair, worth nearly £5,000, is designed for disabled people leading an active life and comes with removable 'bumpers' specially designed for powerchair football.

With improved manoeuvrability, the chair allows players to turn quickly and 'flick' the ball, which is impossible in standard electric wheelchairs.


Trudi Beswick, CEO of Caudwell Children, said: "Jonathon's enthusiasm and commitment since taking up football are very impressive and we are especially pleased to be able to help him continue his development in the sport.

"In collaboration with Barclays Wealth, we have been able to locate a number of disabled children across the UK whose natural talent and ability may have been hampered through the lack of suitable equipment.

"We have now been able to support these children by providing direct donations of specially adapted sports equipment, allowing these gifted youngsters to reach their full potential."

Jonathon's Mum, Kim Broadfield, said: "Jonathon is mad about football and he was delighted when we found a club for him to play at.

"It is two hours drive away but definitely worth it because he enjoys it so much."

To date Caudwell Children has donated over £11 million to thousands of children with 160 medical conditions.

As well as providing specialist equipment, treatment and therapy it offers annual 'Destination Dreams' holiday for families coping with a child's terminal illness.