Campaign for wheelchair to help pupil, 11
AHIGH school pupil with cerebral palsy is fundraising for a new wheelchair which will allow her to get around school and mix with her new friends.
Bassant Abduljalil, 11, was born with diplegic cerebral palsy which means she has stiffness in her muscles. She can’t walk, has reduced mobility in her upper body and it affects her speech too.
Despite this, she has done well in school, getting about with a manual wheelchair and walker.
But now Bassant has started at Macclesfield Academy, where her 13-year-old brother Hussam also goes, she needs a new sit-to-stand electric chair to help her get around. Her family has launched a campaign to pay for the chair, which automatically moves into positions at various levels so Bassant can work at different desks.
Bassant said: “I‘ve really enjoyed school but it’s busier at my new school and the new chair will help me get around. It will give me the best seating and standing positions so I’m more comfortable in the classroom.
“I will be able to get out and about more, make new friends and join in more activities.”
Her dad Hassan, 48, works as a lecturer at neighbouring Macclesfield College. Hassan, of Buxton Road, who is married to Manal and has another son Abdulrahman, seven, said: “It will give Bassant more independence in school. She will be able to stand and work in the lab and reach books in the library.
“She loves being among her friends and the chair will allow her to socialise with a new group of friends.”
The chair – which will cost £12,385 – is being provided by the charity Caudwell Children so Bassant will have it as soon as possible, but the family are expected to meet the full cost of the chair.
The Abduljalil family have paid 20 per cent of the total cost, but are appealing for donations to help meet the rest.
Lisa Bates, head of applications services for Caudwell Children, said: “The wheelchair stands at the touch of a switch which means Bassant will be able to stand at the same level as her friends.
“It will give Bassant numerous health benefits as she will be standing much more often. It will quietly move Bassant through all angles and has excellent handling for navigating through the busy corridors and classrooms at the academy.”
Visit justgiving.com/ chair4bassant to donate.
‘I will be able to get out and about more’