Smiles & Smiles in Thatcham wins £25k of assistive technology to support children with life-limiting conditions

A children’s disability charity in Thatcham will receive £25,000 of life-changing assistive technology.

Swings & Smiles, located on Lower Way, has won a public vote to receive an assistive technology package from charity Lifelites, as part of the latter’s £1.6m three-year campaign to deliver 21 new technology packages and grants to children with life-limiting conditions announced last year.

After a rigorous application process, 10 finalists were shortlisted.

From March 10, the public was invited to vote for their favourite projects, resulting in more than 4,500 verified votes.

The three projects with the highest number of votes were selected for funding, while the remaining four winners were chosen by an independent panel.

CEO of Swings & Smiles Rhonda Nicklin celebrated the news saying: “The Lifelites funding will help us create more inclusive, accessible play opportunities for disabled and life-limited children and young people.

“This support means more laughter, friendship and moments of joy for the families we support.”

Lifelites CEO Rob Lightfoot added: “We are delighted to announce the first seven Lifelites 25 Community Projects.

“We are grateful for the engagement of all 10 shortlisted projects and humbled by the vital support they are delivering in the community for children and families.”

Lifelites provides assistive and sensory technology to every children's hospice in the UK and Ireland.