At In Car Safety Centre, we know the right specialist equipment can be truly life-changing for a child with additional needs. That’s why we’re proud to support the upcoming BBC Radio 4 Appeal on Sunday 20th July 2025, featuring the story of eight-year-old Bobby Sproston and the incredible work of Newlife, The Charity for Disabled Children.
Bobby’s Story
Bobby is an eight-year-old boy from the West Midlands who was born with a spinal cord injury. As a result, he’s unable to walk and relies on specialist equipment to live life to the fullest. Recently, Newlife, The Charity for Disabled Children, provided Bobby with a brand new wheelchair—transforming not only his independence, but his entire experience of childhood.
Until recently, he relied on an old, broken wheelchair that no longer fit him properly. The brakes had failed, it was falling apart—and worst of all, it stripped away his independence, severely limiting what Bobby could do.
Thanks to Newlife, Bobby now has a brand new, properly fitted wheelchair. It doesn’t just help him get around—it’s given him back his freedom. Bobby has a properly fitting, safe and functional wheelchair that allows him to participate fully in daily life, attend his beloved sports clubs, and even train for wheelchair racing.
A Message from Paralympian Hannah Cockroft
British Paralympic gold medallist Hannah Cockroft is delivering the appeal, sharing her own experience of growing up without access to a wheelchair and how that affected her life.
She says:
“I didn’t get my first wheelchair until I was fifteen—it was a life-changer. But it was something my parents simply couldn’t afford. That’s why charities like Newlife are so vital.
I went on to win gold medals and break world records. But I spent my early years exhausted and struggling.”
Hannah’s story, like Bobby’s, underlines a crucial truth: access to specialist equipment—whether it’s a wheelchair, a car seat, or a supportive bed—can be utterly life-changing for a disabled child and their family.
The Bigger Picture
According to research from Newlife, Bobby’s experience is far from unique. Across the UK, hundreds of children are waiting for essential equipment—items not routinely provided by statutory services.
Why This Matters to Us
At In Car Safety Centre, we work with families like Bobby’s every day. While wheelchairs are one crucial part of the puzzle, specialist car seats are another. Children with complex needs often can’t use standard car seats—and that’s where we come in.
We understand the challenges families face when trying to secure the right equipment. Whether it’s funding, fitment, or simply finding the right expert advice, we’re here to help. The right seat can mean the difference between isolation and inclusion—for school runs, hospital visits, holidays, and more.
Sourcing the right car seat can be a complex process for children with disabilities, but it’s also one of the most important safety decisions a parent or carer can make.
We work closely with organisations like Newlife to ensure that children with additional needs are matched with the right car seat for their unique circumstances. We’ve seen first-hand how the correct equipment empowers families and transforms day-to-day life.
Hundreds Still Waiting
Bobby’s new wheelchair cost nearly £5,000. It was worth every penny, but it also highlights a growing issue: hundreds of children across the UK are still waiting for the vital equipment they need. From wheelchairs and car seats to supportive beds and buggies, the need is growing.
How You Can Help
Bobby’s new wheelchair cost nearly £5,000—an amount out of reach for many families. Yet for Bobby, it’s made all the difference.
You can support more children like Bobby by donating to the Newlife BBC Radio 4 Appeal at newlife.support/radio4
To learn more about Newlife’s vital work, visit www.newlifecharity.co.uk
And if you’re seeking expert advice on specialist car seats for your child, the In Car Safety Centre team is always here to help. Whether you’re based in Northern Ireland, the Milton Keynes area, Essex or further afield, we’re dedicated to supporting families with professional guidance and care.
🗓 Tune in to BBC Radio 4 on Sunday 20th July 2025 at 7.54am and 9.25pm and again on 24th July at 3.27pm to hear Bobby’s story and support the Newlife Appeal.
💛 Donate online: newlife.support/radio4
🔍 Find out more about Newlife: www.newlifecharity.co.uk
🚗 Need support with a specialist car seat? Visit us at incarsafetycentre.co.uk
Together, we can make travel—and life—safer and more accessible for every child.
Comments (0)
There are no comments for this article. Be the first one to leave a message!