A DISABLED Wibsey woman with a rare neuromuscular condition has been given new-found independence thanks to the gift of a powered wheelchair.

Kateryna Pemberton, 22, received the funding from Children Today Charitable Trust.

Kateryna has a rare, degenerative condition called spinal muscular atrophy – which causes progressive muscle weakness and muscle wastage as well as joint pain, muscle weakness and extreme tiredness.

She also has scoliosis and means she requires the use of a hoist or wheelchair and assistance, making her entirely dependent upon her mother and carers.

She said she was thrilled with her new mode of transport: “My new chair is amazing; I can do so much more and finally get out and about," she said adding: "My previous chair was in one position all the time and caused me a lot of pain, which meant I often had no choice but to stay in bed. With this chair, I am able to recline and tilt it and it allows me to stretch my legs; it’s much more comfortable so I can get out of bed more.”

Children Today provides funds for specialised equipment for children and young people up to the age of 25 years old with disabilities, including adapted trikes and car seats.

The aim of the charity is to enable children and young people with disabilities to achieve their full potential, by enabling better access to education and work and helping to improve both physical and mental well-being, as a direct result of the provision of life-changing equipment.

Kateryna added: “I applied to Children Today for funding. As you get older, moving from children to adult services, there is so little help. I had written to four other charities and I also tried to fundraise myself, with little success.

“I have issues with my spine and hips, but the new chair has significantly reduced my pain. I am more independent, and I can now sit and eat with my family. The chair can be raised, so I can be at eye level with everyone and see my friends and family better in social situations. “It’s enabled me do things that other people probably take for granted. For instance, I can now go shopping and try stuff on, which I couldn’t do before.

“I’m less reliant on other people. I’m regaining myself and it’s amazing not to be confined to the bedroom. It’s really helped with my mental health. It was very lonely being stuck at home but now I feel like I can be myself.”

As Children Today doesn’t get any funding from the Government or NHS it is entirely reliant on voluntary donations and fundraising events to continue to provide support for children and young people in need, just like Kateryna.

Founder of Children Today, Hugh McCaw said: “We know more young people like Kateryna are going to need our support in the coming months as households across the country feel the financial impact of the pandemic, yet we’re worried for the future of our small charity in these unsettled times.

“Sadly, our fundraising activities have been heavily hit by the coronavirus as we’ve had to postpone a number of events. Because of this, we’ve created a ‘WorkOUT from Home challenge’ that people can take part in from the comfort of their own home to get fit whilst helping us continue to change the lives of young people.”

For more information about Children Today or to take part in the WorkOUT from home challenge visitwww.childrentoday.org.uk