Enriching the lives of children with mitochondrial disease
Lily's Helping Hand is a grant scheme designed to make it easier for families affected by mitochondrial disease to afford specialist items that bring daily enrichment to patients’ lives, and which are not routinely provided by the NHS.
The scheme is suitable for items such as adapted trikes, pushchairs and all-terrain buggies which provide children with vital opportunities for sensory stimulation, independence and active play. We have also helped families fund changes to homes and outdoor areas to make them suitable for patients with special needs.
How does the scheme work?
Under the scheme, Lily will fund 50% of the cost of equipment, with a maximum contribution of £2,500. Once an application has been approved, applicants are responsible for raising 50% of the item's cost themselves. Applications are decided on a case-by-case basis. We ask applicants to specify the item they would like to purchase, and explain how it will benefit their child or young adult (up to age 25). For more information or an application form email [email protected]
Success stories
"Through Lily's Helping Hand scheme we're fundraising for a new Tomcat Trike for our son Alex, which will allow him to get physiotherapy, independent of any assistance, strengthen his lower limbs and assist with hip rotation. Best of all it will allow him to ride side by side with his twin sister in the park rather than being a wheelchair bound spectator, wishing he could do the same as her." - Karen & Bruno
"My daughter Lily was diagnosed with mitochondrial disease and was never able to ride a bike, climb or keep up with her peers. Her doctor recommended a special trike, which thanks to the Lily Foundation we were able to get her for Christmas. Now Lily loves being out and about in the great outdoors, chasing our dog whilst benefiting from quality family time and increasing her muscle strength." - Jo
"Thanks to The Lily Helping Hand scheme we have been able to purchase an all terrain buggy for James, which will allow us to explore woods, beaches and fields that were 'no-go' areas for his wheelchair. Now we can go out on lovely long walks as a family and visit places that we couldn't before. The pleasure it has brought James is fantastic." - Angela & Ian