A leading UK charity has launched a vital Christmas fundraising drive to ensure children with disabilities are not left without the specialist toys they need to learn, develop, and experience the simple joy of play.
Bringing Play to Life for Siblings
Newlife The Charity for Disabled Children is best known for providing essential equipment like wheelchairs and specialist beds. However, its loan service for sensory toys is equally transformative. The charity's current campaign highlights the story of four-year-old Amelia Pepper from Newark, Nottinghamshire, and her two-year-old brother, Atlas.
Amelia has a unique genetic condition, making her the only recorded person with her specific genetic sequence. She is severely sight impaired, non-verbal, and has low muscle tone, meaning she cannot sit, walk, or crawl. Standard toys are often impossible for her to use. Atlas is on the Autism pathway and also interacts with the world in a distinct way.
The Power of Play Therapy Pods
Through Newlife's Play Therapy Pods, the family can borrow boxes filled with carefully selected sensory toys that light up, vibrate, or make sounds. These resources have enabled Amelia and Atlas to play together, creating precious moments of connection and joy.
"Although they are both non-verbal, they have their own form of communication," said their mother, Sian. "They are both very sensory-orientated, so they both like bubble tubes and infinity lights." She described how the loan service allows them to discover what works for each child without the financial risk of buying expensive items that may only be engaging for a short time, a crucial benefit during the cost-of-living crisis.
A Campaign for Year-Round Play
The Christmas appeal aims to raise funds to expand this service across the UK. Newlife's Play Lead, Simret Ghuman, emphasised that play is fundamental to how children understand the world and develop skills. "Our toys can create the most magical moments between parent and child or between siblings," she said.
Each Play Therapy Pod is tailored to a child's age, physical abilities, and medical needs, aiming to encourage learning, improve relaxation, provide enjoyment, and even distract from pain. Beyond toys, Newlife supports families with equipment grants, emergency loans, and a dedicated Nurse Helpline.
The campaign underscores a simple but powerful message: no child should be without the gift of play. For Amelia, Atlas, and thousands of other children with disabilities across the country, these specialist toys are not just gifts; they are vital tools for development and happiness.
