Here at Shine we have many members that will never walk and are reliant on gaining mobility through the use of a wheelchair from as early as the age of three.

We need to ensure that the wheelchair they have is fit for purpose as due to stringent NHS funding more and more of our members are finding that their chairs are not being replaced in a time-honoured fashion to “grow” with them. Shine's Occupational Therapy Service, which is funded entirely through voluntary donations, look to ensure that this is adhered to and, if necessary, will intervene to ensure the child has the best wheelchair to give them a good start in life. They also offer free advice and support to families and individuals on acquiring and using their new chair.

Shine has many children and adults members who wish to get involved in various sports and require specially adapted wheelchairs in order to compete. We help the individuals and families in raising the funds required to purchase the wheelchair and realise their dreams.

As an organisation we also conduct teenage residentials where wheelchair-using youngsters can try activities such as abseiling and canoeing. This gives them the confidence and realisation that, although they may spend most of their life in a wheelchair, this need not be a barrier to achieving their full potential and actively taking part in fun events.                                                                        

Throughout our members’ life, Shine offers advice on how to manage wear and tear on various joints as the constant propelling of a manual wheelchair can have long-term physical effects on their body, in particular their elbows and shoulders.

Without your generous support the ability for Shine to continue providing these services would prove difficult.

The balloons themselves are being launched from Dusseldorf on the 3rd July - the starting point of this year's Tour De France, commencing 1st July.