Providing a financial and practical support network for those who need help the most in our industry is just one small part of what the Electrical Industries Charity offers. But for those who are going through the most challenging circumstances in their lives, this can have a huge impact on securing a better future.
Max’s story is a recent example, where the charity worked together with other companies as part of a Practical Participation Programme and raised funds for a severely disabled six-year-old boy, creating a brighter future for the whole family.
Max was born prematurely at 26 weeks’ gestation. Shortly after his first birthday, Max was diagnosed with Quadriplegic Cerebral Palsy, Dystonia and Chronic Lung Disease which left him wheelchair bound and unable to do anything himself. He cannot see or communicate with his family. Max’s father, Mark, who has served 18 years in the electrical industry, and his mother, Lisa, are currently carrying this young boy everywhere in the house, including up the stairs. Max is getting very heavy to handle, and this has become a safety issue. Therefore, an alteration to the house was needed to improve the quality of life for Max and his family.
Max’s parents have been awarded a Disabled Facilities Grant of £30,000 for a full two storey extension to their home to enable a through floor lift to be built which will transport Max up to his bedroom and wet room. The total cost of the adaptation works, including the council fees, is over £80k. There is always additional expenditure in caring for a disabled child and Max will need care for the rest of his life. The council has offered a loan of £10k, and Mark and Lisa will use their £10k savings. Other charities have also been contacted and a further £4k has been secured. With all of the financial support, the family were still left with a £26,000 shortfall. The Electrical Industries Charity has agreed to meet the shortfall and help Max to have all the essential equipment that he requires.
By joining the Practical Participation Programme you can show your support and commitment to people like Max and his family who are going through challenging situations in their lives – providing practical support when they need it most. It is also worth noting that by being part of this programme, you will be able to work alongside the charity in helping to find solutions which will lift a heavy burden from someone’s shoulders, allowing them to have a better quality of life.
It is never too late to make a difference in someone‘s life and help create a larger support network for those who are desperately in need of a helping hand.
Sign up to the Practical Participation Programme today and make a difference in someone’s life.
For further information, please contact Vicky Gray: [email protected]
