No where is inaccessible anymore for Emily after winning £3,600 in Swallowdale Children's Trust competition

Emily Ryan, seven, was one of the lucky children to benefit from a grant in last year’s Swallowdale Children’s Trust Community Giveaway.

The Highfurlong School pupil won funding of £3,600 to cover a Kimba Cross all terrain wheelchair.

The youngster had a very traumatic birth and suffered a hypoxic brain injury, through starvation of oxygen. She now has four limb cerebral palsy, epilepsy, chronic lung disease, dystonia and myoclonic spasms. She is also tube fed and non-mobile, non-verbal and requires round-the-clock care.

Emily’s mum Becky Ryan, 32, applied for the grant last year. She said: “The Kimba has been fantastic for Emily and the family. It has really opened up the world for her as everywhere is now accessible.

“We have been able to go to the beach and up Beacon Fell which we simply couldn’t do in her old wheelchair.

“Emily loves it as well and finds it hilarious going over bumps and rocks. It really has been amazing.”

This year’s Swallowdale Giveaway is £10,000 and will help people under the age of 25 across the Fylde coast.

We want individuals, schools, community groups, sports clubs, charities and societies to take part and bid for a share of the cash which will be split between several winners.

The Gazette’s promotions and events manager Sue Bentley said: “If you or your organisation are in need of some financial help, then we want to hear from you.”

Swallowdale chairman Nigel Law said: “We want people to be able to show to us that the money we may award them will benefit them and benefit the local community.”

To apply for a grant, email us at [email protected] with Swallowdale in the subject field, or write to us at Swallowdale Children’s Trust Community Giveaway, The Gazette, 15 Olympic Court, Boardmans Way, Whitehills Business Park, Blackpool FY4 5GU to arrive no later than Friday April 10.

Tell us how much grant you are applying for and how you would spend the money if successful. Add your name, address, name of organisation (if applicable), and a contact telephone number.

Standard Gazette competition rules apply.