A family from Stow in Galashiels, Selkirkshire, is urging the local community to answer their call for old
mobile phones – as part of a fundraising scheme aimed at equipping
autistic children with iPads.
Mandy
Mitchelmore and Gary Anderson are calling on people to donate
unwanted handsets, so that they can buy an iPad for their daughter
Hattie, who has a rare form of epilepsy and hemiplegia.
Ten-year-old
Hattie struggles with speech and language, which affects her ability
to communicate – very similar to a child with autism. The seizures
make rest difficult, and can cause Hattie to forget what she has
learnt during the course of the day.
The
scheme, run by autism charity Hearts & Minds Challenge, enables
families to exchange old mobiles for iPads. Just 165 mobile phones
can be traded in for a brand new iPad, which will make a real
difference to youngsters like Hattie.
Hattie’s
mum Mandy said: “The Hearts & Minds iPad scheme is amazing
because it will not only enable Hattie to access learning across all
areas but it will make learning fun and engaging for her too. An iPad
will help Hattie to become a learner in her own right and develop her
independence so that she feels part of her school group.”
“
I’d like to encourage anyone, who may
have old or unwanted mobiles lying around at home, please drop them
off at Stow Post Office and help transform our daughter’s life.
Hattie has always loved technology; it motivates her and helps her to
deal with the impact of her seizures.”
Hearts
& Minds Challenge is a charity dedicated to supporting children
and families touched by autism. The organisation, which is supported
by Mel Sykes, Keith Duffy and Paul Scholes, aims to raise the quality
of life for individuals and their families affected by the disorder,
by ensuring the provision of the highest standards in education, care
and support.
To
date, the charity’s fundraising activity has raised over £500,000
and has helped to educate and support many children and families.
Ian
McGrath, founder of Hearts & Minds, said: “This scheme has
already helped to transform the lives of over 220 families around the
UK and we would like to see many more people benefit.
“The
therapeutic benefits of using interactive, easy-to-use technology,
such as an iPad, have now been widely recognised and really can make
a difference. I’d like to encourage everyone to donate any old
phones to help support Hattie and her family.”
If
you have any unwanted mobile phones, you can drop them off at Stow
Post Office where there is a collection box.
