Simon Barnett, one of our driving instructors based in Bradford, is taking on the Total Warrior Challenge to help raise vital funds for his daughter, Isabelle.
Isabelle is 12 years old and lives with Rett syndrome, a rare neurological condition that affects her movement, speech and ability to use her hands and feet. It means that many everyday things which most of us take for granted are much more difficult for Isabelle and her family.
Despite the challenges she faces, Isabelle is full of personality. She loves being with her sisters, enjoys watching YouTube and absolutely lights up when she gets to stand in the kitchen and help with baking.
For Isabelle, standing is not just something she enjoys; it is incredibly important for her health and wellbeing. Because she has very thin bones and scoliosis, regular standing helps to:
- support her bone strength
- improve her posture
- aid digestion and circulation
- reduce discomfort
- improve her overall wellbeing.
At the moment, getting Isabelle standing requires a big effort from Simon and his family – particularly his wife Jennifer, who is the primary caregiver for Isabelle and her siblings. Each time Isabelle needs to stand, she has to be lifted out of her wheelchair and moved into a separate standing frame. It’s a slow, physically demanding process that puts strain on those helping her, involves extra handling for Isabelle, and takes up precious space in a small family home.
Simon and his family are hoping to raise enough money for a specialist wheelchair that can also become a standing frame. For Isabelle, this would be life-changing, giving her greater comfort, support and independence. For the whole family, it would make everyday life that little bit easier.
The chair would allow Isabelle to stand more often, more safely and more comfortably. It would reduce the physical strain on her family, give Isabelle more independence, and create more spontaneous moments where she can be alongside her sisters, watch TV, help with baking, and be part of everyday family life at eye level. Most importantly, this equipment would give Isabelle more opportunities to join in with the moments she truly loves.
Total Warrior 12k
This weekend, Simon will be taking on the 12k Total Warrior Challenge at Bramham Park in Wetherby, West Yorkshire, alongside Ben Scarborough, Christian Smith and Jonny Earl. Together, they’ll face mud, water, obstacles and a physically demanding course, all to raise awareness and help fund this incredible piece of equipment for Isabelle.
Over the last four months, the family have already raised an incredible £5,500 towards their £7,300 target. With support from friends, family and many kind people who have never even met Isabelle, they are now edging closer to the finish line.
Simon recently shared:
Wow, that was tough.
Maybe this morning’s run was my last training session before Ben Scarborough, Christian Smith, Jonny Earl and myself take on the 12k Total Warrior Challenge at Bramham Park this weekend, all to help raise funds for an incredible piece of equipment for Isabelle.
We’re currently around £1,900 away from our target to buy Isabelle’s new standing frame. It still sounds like a lot, and it is, but since we started fundraising back in March, we’ve managed to raise an amazing £5,400. We truly have the most generous friends and family.
And not just those who know Isabelle personally. So many people who have never even met her have donated, shared our posts, and supported our journey. Your kindness has been overwhelming.
We are incredibly grateful to every single person who has donated, shared, encouraged, or cheered us on. Thank you for helping us get one step closer to giving Isabelle the equipment she needs.
This equipment comes at a significant cost, but the benefits for Isabelle’s health, comfort and happiness would be enormous. It is far more than a wheelchair. It would support her bones and spine, give her greater independence, and help her feel more included in everyday family life.
We’d love to help Simon, Isabelle and their family get over the line – If every driveJohnson’s instructor donated just £3, the family would reach their target. Even a small donation could make a huge difference and help Isabelle get the wheelchair she needs.
You can donate here:
