Coleraine mum's wheelchair appeal for 23-year-old severely disabled daughter who "deserves freedom, not limits"

Tracey Henry, who was a finalist in the first ever Carers UK Awards in October, has launched GoFundMe appeal to raise the money to buy a new wheelchair for 23-year-old Ellie who has complex disabilities after contracting meningitis as a newborn.

"Right now, her life is a cycle of seizures and sleep. A new wheelchair would change everything – giving her the chance to enjoy walks and live, not just cope,” said Tracey.

"We are so grateful for all the wonderful donations and raffle prizes we’ve received so far but we’re still quite a way from reaching our target. Every day we wait is another day Ellie spends at home, limited in her ability to enjoy walks and the freedom she deserves.

"This delay is taking a toll. Ellie’s anxiety has led to weeks of relentless cluster seizures. Ellie is 23-years-old, she deserves better.”

Tracey was forced to give up her teaching career to care for Ellie full-time when she left school.

“I wouldn’t change that for the world, but it means funds are tight. It’s just the girls and me now, and I no longer have the extra resources to cover her additional needs."

Tracey also leads ‘Ellie’s Fight for Freedom’, a grassroots campaign she founded to advocate for disabled people and their carers. In the last year, she has supported many families to access essential medical equipment, feeding support and education plans.