Darlington Building Society’s Barnard Castle branch has helped a children’s charity raise money for a local boy’s new wheelchair.
A Smile for a Child, a charity that provides grants for disabled & disadvantaged children, have raised £8,000 to purchase a new specialised wheelchair for 9-year-old Kenzie.
Kenzie is living with cerebral palsy, a condition which affects the brain and nervous system, meaning he has very little mobility and learning difficulties. His new bespoke wheelchair allows Kenzie to have more independence and interact with other children his age more easily, as he is able to fully control it himself.
As part of the fundraising, Darlington Building Society Barnard Castle Branch Manager, Carl Horsman bravely volunteered to have his legs waxed to support the cause. He raised £300 which was donated to A Smile for a Child.
To celebrate its 160th birthday, Darlington Building Society is extending its community support even further with a number of donations, fundraising events and volunteering days given by the different branches over the course of 2016.
Carl said: “It is fantastic to have been able to help Kenzie acquire a new wheelchair. It has given him so much independence and made his life more enjoyable. I must thank my team at the branch who helped with the fundraising and I’m sure enjoyed seeing me get my legs waxed!
“A Smile for a Child is a wonderful charity that works with many disadvantaged and disabled children across the local area, I encourage anyone who can to support its fantastic work.”
Chris Read, A Smile for a Child founder, said: “We are so grateful to Carl and the team at Darlington Building Society for supporting our fundraising for Kenzie. The work we do improves the quality of life of many children and receiving support from local businesses means so much.”