Whizz Kidz marked International Wheelchair Day with appeal to reopen waiting list
UK charity Whizz Kidz marked International Wheelchair Day on 1 March 2026 by highlighting the young wheelchair users whose lives had been transformed in recent months.
The appeal was launched in September after Whizz Kidz was forced to close its wheelchair waiting list for the first time in its 35‑year history, with more than 1,000 children already waiting and demand rising by 12.5 per cent each year as pressures on NHS wheelchair services increased.
On International Wheelchair Day, Whizz Kidz invited the public help them cross the line and reopen the list in a bid to provide independence, confidence, safety and the opportunity to experience a full childhood for the children on the waiting list.
The phenomenal public response since the appeal launched is accelerating the charity’s plans to reopen the waiting list much earlier than anticipated.
Sarah Pugh, CEO at Whizz Kidz stated: “The incredible generosity of our supporters is edging us ever closer to reopening the list, so young people and their families can finally apply for the life‑changing equipment they need. We are so grateful for every donation, every share, every fundraiser.”
However, young wheelchair users are still unable to apply for the mobility equipment they urgently need as more funds are still required before the charity can reopen the list.
The need to reopen the list remains urgent as 74 per cent of children waiting said they were losing independence, 69 per cent said they were missing out on friendships or school activities, and six in 10 were living in discomfort or pain.
These figures highlight why delays have such a profound impact on childhood and why edging closer to reopening the list is such an important milestone, says Whizz Kidz.
Last year, the Steve Morgan Foundation formed a partnership with Whizz Kidz to support the provision of wheelchairs for children and young people across Merseyside, North Wales, West Cheshire, and North Shropshire.
