Stephensons has raised nearly £2,000 to help four-year-old twins Alfie and Thomas, who are both affected by cerebral palsy.
The national law firm has donated £1,836 to the family of Alfie and Thomas Wilmott for the purchase of a pair of specialist wheelchairs, designed for children suffering from severe mobility problems. The wheelchairs will allow the twins to fully explore the great outdoors, with a range of features to tackle rough or uneven terrain.
Stephensons organised a dress-down day and raffle across each of its ten sites, with all proceeds going to help the young twins.
Judith Thomas-Whittingham, Partner at Stephensons, said: “We work with children who have been diagnosed with cerebral palsy or other severe mobility problems every single day and know how important it is to encourage independence at an early age.
“We’re glad to be helping the boys take a step closer to being able to enjoy all that the outdoors has to offer.”
Cerebral palsy is the general term for a number of neurological conditions affecting the movement and co-ordination of muscles. It can cause muscle stiffness or floppiness, random and uncontrolled body movements, as well as balance and co-ordination problems. One in 400 people in the UK is affected by the condition. Cerebral palsy can occur if the brain develops abnormally or is damaged before, during or shortly after birth. There is no cure.
Alfie and Thomas’ mother, Jenny Mellan, said: “We want our boys to explore the world, just like other children but they currently have to rely on others. We hope that with their new wheelchairs they will be able to experience far more and also gain some independence.”