A charity has changed the life of a disabled Chester toddler after funding a specialist car seat just for her.

Travelling by car is not always an easy task for 11-month old Alaya Miller from Upton who suffers from cerebral palsy and epilepsy, and it is often a stressful experience for she and her mum Yasmin Vickers-Hughes, with the little girl often ending up in tears because of her discomfort sitting in a standard car seat.

But thanks to a simple piece of specialist equipment, which was funded by Newlife and the Morgan Foundation, Alaya, who will need 24 hour care for the rest of her life, is now able to travel comfortably and most importantly, prevent postural deformities developing as she grows.

The Morgan Foundation have been working with Newlife to ensure more children with disabilities and terminal illnesses get the right equipment at the right time, which includes wheelchairs, buggies and walkers for mobility, specialist car seats and beds for safety as well as a range of other disability equipment.

Huge difference

Yasmin said the seat has already made a huge difference to both she and Alaya, who also has Dystonia, a state of irregular muscle tone resulting in muscular spasms and abnormal posture so she has no head control.

“Alaya’s quality of life is already at a disadvantage compared to other children, but it’s the small things that count and this new chair has made a huge difference to our lives,” she said.

“I drive my partner to and from work every day, I’m usually on the road for a minimum of two hours and travelling with a standard car seat was a nightmare because it was clear that Alaya was never comfortable, she would cry for most of the journey.

“But the new car seat is fantastic; it turns 360 degrees so access has become much easier. Alaya hardly ever cries and you can see the difference and how much more comfortable she is.

Grateful

“Having a specialist car seat means her head is supported and it will prevent postural deformities developing as Alaya grows. We’d like to say a huge thank you to Newlife and the Morgan Foundation for funding Alaya’s car seat, we really appreciate the help,” Yasmin added.

A Morgan Foundation fundraising golf day and gala dinner in support of Newlife held last year raised £450,000 to provide vital specialist equipment specifically for families across North Wales, Merseyside, West Cheshire, North Shropshire and parts of the West Midlands.

And the Newlife Foundation which works extensively with families across the region, has already funded £438,133 of equipment for 347 children in Cheshire.

Steve Morgan, chairman of The Morgan Foundation, explained: “Having a vital aid like this means the health prospects and enjoyment of children like Alaya can be improved. Everyone who took part in our golf day or attended the gala dinner has helped – and will continue to help – make a real difference.”