How a Red Cross wheelchair helped Kerri take her daughter to Disneyland
Kerri hired a wheelchair to make sure her 7-year-old daughter could enjoy their family holiday to the fullest
Kerri from Nottingham hired a wheelchair from the Red Cross for her 7-year-old daughter Isla.
Kerri had booked a family holiday to Europe and wanted to make sure Isla would feel safe and supported for the duration of their trip.
Isla has Down’s Syndrome and can sometimes become unsteady on her feet or tired over the course of the day.
A Red Cross wheelchair was the perfect solution
Kerri wanted to make sure Isla felt safe and included in all the holiday activities. Isla’s pushchair was too small and the new wheelchair they’d ordered was delayed by a month.
She decided to explore what mobility aids services were available. Kerri had heard about mobility aids services provided by the Red Cross, but she wasn’t sure what they could get and who could access it.
“The Red Cross wheelchair was the perfect solution to keep Isla safe while we travelled by car and boat over to France and then Barcelona.
“Isla felt safe and supported and was able to join in with all the sightseeing as a family. She loved using the wheelchair when she was feeling tired or overwhelmed by the new surroundings.”
The wheelchair was a ‘safe space’ for Isla as they explored France and Spain. Thanks to the wheelchair from the Red Cross, Kerri, Isla and the whole family were able to make special memories together on their holiday.
What to do if your child needs mobility support
Kerri wants other parents with children like Isla to know about the Red Cross’ services. They can help people feel at ease knowing their child is safe and comfortable in a potentially new or overwhelming environment.
“If your child struggles to walk long distances, becomes overwhelmed in new surroundings and is affected by different situations, perhaps still needs to nap in the day, then I would highly recommend using the Red Cross for mobility aids,” Kerri says.
“It gives you the peace of mind that you can travel together, safely, access things you may not have had the energy for and not run into problems in a new city where there are language barriers.”
For Kerri, hiring a wheelchair for Isla to use on their family holiday was absolutely worth it.
Seeing her little face light up with the magic when the light show started at the Disneyland Paris castle after waiting for over an hour was the most special part of the trip. This wheelchair certainly did some miles, and we could not have accessed such a great holiday and managed all the activities without it. Thank you to the Red Cross for helping us make such magical memories.
Hiring a wheelchair from the Red Cross
The British Red Cross offers short-term wheelchair hire for just £22 a week – no hidden fees. A range of wheelchairs is available for adults and children with accessories at no extra cost. Delivery and collection can be arranged for a £30 one-off fee, with next-weekday delivery in many areas. Support may be available if you’re struggling with the cost.