A seven-year-old girl with cerebral palsy has raised £600 for charity by completing a virtual run using equipment provided by a leading Sheffield-based postural support specialist.
Wren Steer, from Newcastle upon Tyne, was diagnosed with cerebral palsy from a young age due to complications that came as a result of being born with cytomegalovirus – also known as congenital CMV.
The youngster has been supported to achieve maximum mobility and develop correct seating posture by using a Rifton Pacer Gait Trainer, Activity Chair and Supine Stander from Sheffield-based postural support specialist, Jiraffe.
Wren recently completed a 50m virtual run, using her Rifton Pacer Gait Trainer, in support of Heel and Toe – a charity that provides therapy to disabled children in the North East.
Wren’s mum, Anna, said: “We are very proud of Wren’s achievement. She is non-mobile without the help of her Pacer and is determined to continue making progress. We can’t wait to see what she accomplishes next.
“Without Jiraffe, Wren couldn’t access things like learning, socialising at school and so much more. She can now take part in PE and hug her friends (before Covid-19). At home, her pacer makes her an extremely huggable little sister!”
The Rifton Pacer Gait Trainer is a system comprising of an upper frame with a choice of bases, to accommodate users with a broad range of abilities, in a variety of settings.
It helps achieve proper positioning and provides the dynamic weight-bearing and weight shifting needed for a more natural gait pattern and easier stepping.
Richard Harvey, National Clinical Training Manager at Jiraffe, said: “We’re delighted to hear that the Pacer has managed to make such an incredible difference to Wren’s life.
“It’s one thing to complete a 50m virtual run, but to raise a significant amount for charity too makes this a real accomplishment which Wren should be proud of.
“Rifton’s Pacers are all about encouraging progress and making sure nothing stands between a child and the places they want to go. Wren is a shining example of what can be achieved with the right guidance and equipment – we’re so happy to have been able to support her on the way to this achievement.”
For more information on Jiraffe, visit https://www.jiraffe.org.uk/. To learn more about Jiraffe’s range of mobility devices, head to https://www.jiraffe.org.uk/products/mobility-2/
