THE Neil Jaffrey Initiative, part of Gathimba Edwards Foundation (GEF), was established in 2015 in memory of one of the charity’s most loyal supporters. The initiative was set up with the aim of supporting children with disabilities in north-east Scotland, and has provided over £50,000 of funding for specialist equipment and service support.
When Aberdeen mum, Mel Dyer first learned about the support offered by the Neil Jaffrey Initiative (NJI), she knew it would make a world of difference to her son, Matthew, also known as MJ.
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MJ had severe cerebral palsy, rendering him completely immobile and dependent on 24/7 care. From the outset the NJI team provided much-needed support that made life that bit easier for Matthew and his family.
Mel, who now works part-time for the charity and leads the Neil Jaffrey Initiative, first found out about the transformative support in 2015. It was Myles Edwards, the Co-Founder of the charity and a school friend of Mel’s sister, who reached out knowing the extent of MJ’s difficulties. Myles informed them about the initiative and encouraged them to accept the support.
“Matthew’s condition required intensive care and specialised equipment,” Mel recalls. “Thanks to the support from NJI, we could afford private physiotherapy sessions for him. One of the best things provided was a lightweight all-terrain wheelchair. This wheelchair allowed us to do activities that his heavy NHS wheelchair couldn’t handle.”
Mel remembers the joy on Matthew’s face when they took him cycling and running with the all-terrain wheelchair. “Matthew loved being outdoors. The Initiative made it possible for us to create these precious memories. It wasn’t just about getting around; it was about living life together as a family.”
The Initiative also helped fund important home adaptations, like a ramp and a ceiling track hoist in Matthew’s bedroom, making their home safer and more accessible.
“The Initiative gave Matthew opportunities that wouldn’t have been possible otherwise,” Mel explains. “Children like Matthew often miss out on exploring their environment. With the charity’s support, he could have adventures and hobbies like other kids. We made memories that we will always cherish.”
Sadly, Matthew passed away in October 2023. In his memory, Mel found a new purpose. “When I got the chance to work with GEF, especially with NJI, it just felt right. I had promised Matthew that I’d do something meaningful in his memory. I know how much this support can change lives, and I’m passionate about helping other families to benefit from it.”
Since joining the foundation, Mel has been sourcing funding and spreading the word about the Neil Jaffrey Initiative through local support groups, Matthew’s old school, and his therapists. The number of children supported by NJI has more than doubled to 12 in total in the 9 months since Mel came on board. The initiative has supported families in various ways by providing specialist wheelchairs, a trike, sensory equipment, sensory garden equipment and swings, and helping with home adaptions and flooring. They have most recently had enquiries from families regarding supporting specialist physiotherapy sessions, bathroom adaptions, sensory equipment, and communication devices.
The charity is currently open for submissions, and inviting families in the North-east who are caring for children with severe disabilities, to apply for support.
Myles Edwards, the Co-Founder of the charity said: “Although GEF was initially set up to support families in Kenya, we also want to reach as many families as possible in north-east Scotland. The money provided by the Neil Jaffrey Initiative can support with respite services, or the purchase of equipment to help families with a disabled child.”
Families can apply for support by emailing Mel directly at: [email protected] or through the GEF website at Gathimba Edwards Foundation – Neil Jaffrey Initiative. A child must be receiving disability living allowance to apply, and the application process is made as easy as possible.
The Foundation also welcomes inquiries for more information on regular support or partnership opportunities.