In north-east Scotland, families with disabled children are forced to choose between covering basic bills and essentials or providing the specialist equipment and therapies their loved ones urgently need for a quality of life we all deserve.

Becoming a monthly supporter can play a vital role in ensuring they no longer have to make that impossible choice.

Gathimba Edwards Foundation (GEF) supports disabled children and their families in north-east Scotland by providing specialist equipment, access to therapies, signposting to relevant services, and improving accessibility at home and in the community. We want to give disabled children an opportunity to reach their full potential and shine. Sometimes, this support is indirect, helping to ease the challenges faced by families caring for a disabled child and allow them to focus on providing the best care and support possible for their child.

Find out how GEF was able to help Elsa and Ella and their family.

The nature and cost of support vary greatly depending on the specific needs of a child.  Some of our support is regular, for example in the form of blocks of hippotherapy sessions costing up to £200.  Whereas, an example of a one-off support could be a contribution towards a wheelchair or a hoist costing up to £3,000.  On average, the support of one child costs £110 per month.

To grow the number of children we can help across the region, we are building a community of monthly supporters, who at present are donating between £10 to £250 per month.  Together, contributions form a circle of support, enabling us to respond to the unique needs of families across north-east Scotland.  Every contribution helps create brighter futures for children and families across the region, and ensures no child is left behind.

Become a Monthly Supporter

By becoming a monthly supporter, you will join a growing community helping disabled children across north-east Scotland access the support they need to reach their full potential and enjoy brighter futures.  While we have suggested four monthly support levels, any contribution - whether below, between or above these amounts - is hugely appreciated and will help us support more children and families.

Bright Start Supporter

£25 per month

One year of contributions at this level could fund eight therapeutic horse riding sessions for one child.

Change Making Partner

£50 per month

One year of support at this level could fund a specialist safety bed designed for children with complex needs to keep them safe and supported.

 Community Impact Champion

£110 per month

This level of donation fully funds the average cost of specialist support for one child each month.

Lead Community Sponsor

£250 per month 

Businesses can play a powerful role in ensuring no child is left behind.  At this level, companies help sustain the initiative and enable consistent support for families across the region — while demonstrating a meaningful commitment to their local community.

Over the course of one year, contributions of this level could fund a mobile hoist, wheelchair power pack, and safe flooring.

A key decision in supporting charity is how the funds will be used. Larger charities have large overheads and often a donation is a drop in the ocean. What we love about GEF is the ability to know almost exactly what a donation is being used for – individual families and children with needs that stretch far beyond the norm.

 

Raising a family is difficult – even with favourable conditions. I cannot imagine what life is like when the needs are so acute, and all extra resource and attention from the parents are already fully used, but the state just isn’t there to plug the gap. I’m so glad we have abundance to share to make other lives better in our local community!

JOHN AND FRANKIE WILLIS

Join the Circle of Support

If you are interested in supporting a child in north-east Scotland each month please send us your details and one of our team will be in contact with you within 48 hours.

Alternatively, you can make a one-off donation to support a child in north-east Scotland here. Please quote 'Scotland' as your reference and your donation will go directly towards an essential piece of equipment, specialist therapy or support that will improve the quality of life for a disabled child and their family.

GIFT AID

Did you know your sponsorship value could be worth 25% more through UK Gift Aid? Meaning your donation of £35 could be worth an extra £8.75 per month which is £105 PER YEAR!  Whats more, this is at no extra cost to you. If you are a UK tax payer, for every £1 you give we can claim an extra 25p from HMRC through the Gift Aid scheme.

To make your donations go further, all you need to do is download and complete our Gift Aid form and return it info@gathimbaedwardsfoundation.org

Gift Aid Declaration Form - GEF