John Leech MP supports Whizz-Kidz and Barnardo's

12.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Thu 22nd Jun 2006

John Leech, MP for Manchester Withington, today announced his support for a new report published by children's charities Whizz-Kidz and Barnardo's.

The report was presented to Downing Street on the 31st May and highlights how a lack of money and an NHS postcode lottery - which dictates when and if children get a wheelchair - are having a disastrous impact on disabled children across the UK.

John Leech MP has supported a parliamentary motion (EDM 2317) which backs the report findings and calls for the government to ensure that disabled children are given the right mobility equipment to meet their needs. The motion urges the government to give greater priority within current budgeted departmental spending to ensure that that all disabled children have access to appropriate wheelchairs.

John Leech said:

"I am delighted to be supporting the report, "Don't push me around!" which highlights the difficulties children and young people face in getting the right wheelchair at the right time. It is essential that disabled children get the mobility equipment they need."

As a result of the lack of funding parents are being encouraged by the NHS wheelchair services to seek charitable support to get the right mobility equipment for their children.

There are over 70,000 disabled children in the UK for whom the provision of the right wheelchair could make a critical difference giving them the freedom to get around and fully enjoy childhood; from going to mainstream school to being able to play with their friends and family.

To help us change more disabled children's lives, call 020 7233 6600, or visit www.whizz-kidz.org.uk

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Editor's Notes

Notes to Editor:

· About Barnardo's

Barnardo's helps over 120,000 of the UK's most vulnerable children and young people have a better start in life, and the chance of a better future.

The charity has 60 projects which cater for the needs of disabled children.

· About Whizz-Kidz

Whizz-Kidz changes disabled children's lives - literally overnight. By providing them with customised mobility equipment, training and advice, we actually give them something much more important. We give them the independence to live a life of freedom at home, at school and at play: the independence to be themselves.