A COUPLE running an equestrian centre in Uley have launched a fundraising campaign to help get a specialised wheelchair for a profoundly deaf nine-year-old girl with severe cerebral palsy.

Bailey’s Wheelz was set up by Kat Ives and Cheralyn Wilcox of Newbrook Equestrian Centre after they were inspired by the story of Bailey Griffiths and her family from Cam.

The crowdfunding appeal hopes to raise £25,000 for a new powered wheelchair which will enable Bailey to stand and move around with more freedom.

Bailey, who lives with her parents, Nick and Laura Griffiths, and five-year-old brother, Max, in Turner Road, Cam, was born with quadriplegic cerebral palsy and profound deafness.

Over the years her parents have thrown themselves into raising money to ensure she has the best equipment and quality of life.

Recently, when attending a mobility roadshow, the family came across a new powered wheelchair that enabled the youngster to stand.

“With Bailey and her chairs, there are so many things that still restrict what she’s able to see. For example, we went to the zoo and she was unable to see a lot of things over the walls,” said Nick.

“So when she got to try this one she was really happy. We’ve never seen her stand in anything and be comfortable, but when she got in this she really loved it.”

Nick and Laura often take Bailey and Max to Newbrook Equestrian Centre in Uley. When the couple running the centre, Kat and Cheralyn, heard about Bailey’s story they felt inspired to help raise funds for the new wheelchair.

We are really passionate about what we do at Newbrook and sometimes you just meet people who totally inspire you to raise your game even more. Bailey's family are exactly those sort of people.

“They are incredible. Their upbeat positive attitude is remarkable and their ethos of ensuring Bailey gets to experience all the same things we do and isn't held back by her disabilities is inspirational and totally in line with our ethos at the farm.

“Anyone can do anything with the right people supporting them whether that is overcoming fears, injuries, mental health issues or physical disabilities – to name just a few examples. Having this new chair would enable them to make sure they keep being able to do that - living life to the full.

“It will enable her to stand, and having the ability to do this will enable her to have access to various activities, and not miss out on many things we all take for granted.”

Nick told the Gazette he found it “unbelievable” that people with their own busy lives found the time and energy to offer that level of support.

A number of events and fundraising initiatives are to be arranged over the coming months. At the moment the equestrian centre is running a photography competition which costs £2.50 to enter. All the money raised will go into the Bailey’s Wheelz fund.

If you’d like to make a donation to help Bailey get closer to having her new wheelchair, visit crowdfunding.justgiving.com/Baileys-Wheelz. For more information on Bailey’s story, the photography competition, and to follow the fundraising activity of the equestrian centre search for ‘Newbrook Equestrian Centre’ on Facebook.