Wheelchair using author launches picture books to normalise disability

Press Release – Press Release – Press Release – Press Release

What: WellyWalks Photocall & Book reading

The launch of local author Hannah Ensor’s new children’s picture books – written with young disabled people from the charity Whizz-Kidz – make their debut at a book launch at Willowcroft Primary school, Saturday October 22, 2 – 3.30pm.

Two books, Biscuit Baking and Welly Walks, are simple stories told with humour and mischief that celebrate childhood play – irrespective of using a wheelchair. They are designed to make children aged two to five years old – and their parents – look past disability.

Five-time World Champion and six time Paralympic medalist swimmer Fran Williamson will join the family friendly afternoon – filled with balloons, bubbles, face-painting and more. Hannah, a wheelchair user herself for the last five years, will also be reading from her books and signing copies.

£1 from the sale of each book will be donated to Whizz-Kidz to help more children enjoy fun and full childhoods, and get the right wheelchairs for them at the right time. There will also be a charity collection on the day.

Hannah said: “I was inspired by young non-disabled people who were sometimes unsure how to react to my wheels – how better to help than with books full of joy and laughter?

“It was brilliant fun. Working with young people from Whizz-Kidz was one of the highlights of the process – catching their humour, approach, and life experiences. I am already planning my next books with Whizz-Kidz.”

Stuart Denard, Head of Corporate Partnerships at Whizz-Kidz added, “We are delighted with Hannah’s books, and thrilled that she collaborated with members of our Kidz Board to capture the fun and feelings of other young disabled people.

“We think it’s a wonderful, collaborative project – proud to be involved, and very grateful to be receiving donations on each book.”

For further information please contact

Rob Dyson, PR Manager on 020 7798 6103 or r.dyson@whizz-kidz.org.uk

Hannah Ensor, Author & Illustrator on 07717454648 or stickmancomms@gmail.com

 

Notes to Editors

• Whizz-Kidz has changed the lives of nearly 13,000 disabled children since 1990 – often literally overnight. The charity supports young people to access the right mobility equipment – including powered wheelchairs – at the right time; and delivers wheelchair skills-training, work placements, and other life-skills to help their transition from childhood to adulthood. There are still over 70,000 children in the UK who need our support.
• The right wheelchair and mobility equipment is not automatically provided on the NHS, and it is virtually impossible for a young disabled person to get a powered wheelchair. Whizz-Kidz’s FastForward campaign is calling on Government to reform young people’s wheelchair services. www.whizz-kidz.org.uk/fastforward.