New wheels for young rugby star

His mum, Louise Chambers, successfully applied for funding to purchase a bespoke sports wheelchair for Brady, allowing him to fully participate in wheelchair rugby and train with the Ulster Barbarians junior squad.

Brady suffers from a rare condition called AV Malformation which is an abnormal tangle of blood vessels in the spinal cord, which can cause it to become permanently damaged.

Despite being unable to walk unaided, Brady’s upper body function is completely unaffected and he has shown a natural talent for wheelchair rugby. His mum, Louise reflected: “Brady is a very happy and lively 9 year old boy who loves rugby and being a member of the Ulster Barbarians wheelchair rugby junior team.

“However, because of his condition, Brady needed a specialist chair that had more trunk support than the wheelchairs the squad normally practise with.

“Brady has to work harder on balancing his body and he found it difficult to turn the chair at the speed required.

“The help from Energy for Children has really made a huge difference to Brady’s life.

“He can now play with ease in a chair specifically measured for him, giving him confidence, a sense of inclusion and the opportunity to succeed in a sport he really enjoys.”

Energy for Children Charity Liaison Officer, Alex Megarry, recently paid a visit to the Antrim Forum to see Brady train with his team.

“It’s wonderful to see at first-hand how Brady is benefiting from his new sports wheelchair,” said Alex.

“The positive impact it’s had on him both mentally and physically is inspiring and on behalf of the charity, we are delighted to have been able to help and wish him every success with the Ulster Barbarians.”

Phoenix Natural Gas covers all administration costs associated with the Energy for Children Charitable Trust so that every penny raised goes directly to local disadvantaged children and to date the charity has helped over 6,000 kids.

The Energy for Children Charitable Trust is continuing to break new ground and reach deeper into the heart of local communities throughout Greater Belfast and beyond in order to really make a difference to disadvantaged children’s lives.