Meet the brilliant Brooke, a thirteen-year-old girl from Dublin with a rare genetic disorder known as Rett Syndrome.
Rett syndrome (RTT) is a neurological disorder that occurs almost exclusively in girls, becoming apparent from 6–18 months of age. Its symptoms include language impairments and difficulty with coordination and repetitive movements. Those affected can experience slower growth and difficulty walking. RTT can also cause seizures, scoliosis, and sleeping problems.
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How Variety – the Children’s Charity of Ireland Helps to Bring Joy
Brooke’s condition means she is unable to walk or talk, but this hasn’t stopped her from enjoying the simple things in life. She loves getting out in the great outdoors.
With the help of her mother, Brooke spends as much time as possible outside on her specially adapted trike, provided to her by Variety – the Children’s Charity of Ireland. This souped-up trike allows Brooke to enjoy the freedom of trips to her local park, as well as other outdoor activities that her mother Julie previously thought would never be possible.
Brooke’s trike doesn’t just offer fun and leisure, letting her interact with other family members outdoors — it also forms a crucial part of her physio, giving her limbs and body a way to get the exercise they need.
Variety – the Children’s Charity of Ireland sees Brooke and many other children like her with mobility difficulties as real heroes. They, along with their wonderful parents or guardians, challenge their disabilities, transforming them into the abilities to do things in life that most of us take for granted.
“When I approached Variety Ireland looking for help to get a trike for my daughter, they were so understanding and were able to provide Brooke with a trike that opened up so many different opportunities for us to do things together as a family,” says Julie, Brooke’s mother. “I quickly noticed a huge change in Brooke, who is now raring to get outside at every opportunity on her trike.”
“Variety don’t receive any government funding or help for the equipment they supply to children, and they are totally reliant on help from the public. As a mother, they have changed not just Brooke’s life but also my own for the better. Her smile tells the story of what her trike means to us both. Thank you, Variety, not only for assisting us, but all the other families around Ireland you continue to help. You’re truly wonderful.”
About Variety – the Children’s Charity’s Mobility Programme
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Although these trikes have proven to be both physically and mentally beneficial to many children, they are currently regarded as “luxury” items, so are not provided by any government funding schemes. Each trike is specially adapted to each individual child’s needs, meaning families must privately fund this vital equipment, which can be quite costly.
This is where Variety – the Children’s Charity of Ireland can help. Variety Ireland’s Mobility Programme provides this vital, life-changing equipment for physical development, independence and social inclusion.
Items such as these specialised trikes give children with varying levels of mobility the freedom to move independently. They help to develop a child’s balance, strength, and muscle tone, while also providing exercise.
This specialised equipment gives children of all abilities the chance to join in with friends and family in outdoor activities that were previously unimaginable.
How You Can Help Children Like Brooke
You can help other wonderful people like Brooke and her mum Julie by donating to Variety – the Children’s Charity of Ireland, or by running your own fundraiser. Every euro raised goes toward supplying a mobility item, like a specialised trike, to a child who needs it.
You can help these children enjoy great outdoor activities with their family and friends. It’s not that they’re entitled to it — it’s what they deserve.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Rett Syndrome?
Rett Syndrome (RTT) is a rare neurological disorder that occurs almost exclusively in girls, usually becoming apparent between 6 and 18 months of age. It can affect language, coordination, and movement, and may also cause slower growth, difficulty walking, seizures, scoliosis, and sleep problems.
What does Variety – the Children’s Charity of Ireland’s Mobility Programme provide?
The Mobility Programme funds specialised, individually adapted equipment such as trikes for children with mobility difficulties. This equipment supports physical development, independence, and social inclusion, and is not covered by government funding schemes.
How can I support Variety Ireland?
You can donate directly to Variety – the Children’s Charity of Ireland or organise your own fundraiser. Funds raised go towards supplying mobility equipment, like specialised trikes, to children who need it.
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