McKenzie loves being out and about, going swimming, playing wheelchair tennis and wheelchair rugby. His lightweight wheelchair from Whizz-Kidz, who provide disabled children with the essential wheelchairs and other mobility equipment they need, helps him keep up with his friends and stay active.
McKenzie and his family signed up to Whizz-Kidz’s Challenge 75, an annual family friendly fundraising event in London’s Olympic Park where participants do as many laps as they can around a 400m track in 75 minutes in aid of the estimated 75,000 young wheelchair users in the UK.
McKenzie’s mum, Kerry, said: “It was really tough for McKenzie but he kept going for the full 75 minutes. Everybody was doing it at their own pace, not feeling pressured by time, distance or speed and getting loads of encouragement from the cheerers.
Challenge 75 is all about ability not disability; it’s rare to find such an inclusive event, it didn’t matter how many laps you did, you just set your own target at your own pace. I would say to other parents it’s a really good opportunity to take part as a family.”
McKenzie said: “I wanted to do Challenge 75 to help other boys and girls like me. The best bit was crossing the finish line! I was really excited about how well I’d done and could show my medal to my friends at school. I can’t wait to do it again next year!”
More about Whizz-Kidz
We’re working hard to transform the lives of disabled children across the UK, supporting them to become confident and independent young adults. We’re doing this by providing the equipment, support and life skills they need, when they need them – giving them the chance to develop their full potential.
There are thousands of disabled children waiting for their childhoods to start, as they struggle to get a wheelchair that meets all of their needs. We believe that every young disabled person has the right to a fun and active childhood, and the chance to develop their full potential in life. We provide disabled children and young people with vital mobility equipment, giving them opportunities to build friendships and have fun, and training to help them gain skills and look forward to a bright future.
Our vision for the future is that all disabled children’s lives are full of fun, friendship and hope for an independent future. Just like any other kid’s.
Visit: www.whizz-kidz.org.uk
Contact us now to sign up for Challenge 75!
www.whizz-kidz.org.uk/challenge_75_london
Email: challenge75@whizz-kidz.org.uk
Tel: 0207 233 9696
