In lockdown but still looking after others

The country may be in lockdown due to the Covid-19 outbreak but our charity work still continues. This would not be possible without the continued support of our serving and retired members. Thanks to their ongoing support (through small monthly subscriptions) we’re able to keep giving grants to those who need it most.

This is Andy’s story.

Elliot is the eldest son of serving West Midlands Police officer Andy, who has served with West Midlands Police for 18 years.

The seven-year-old suffers from severe autism affecting his ability to communicate and engage in daily activities. Elliot struggles to cope with the world around him and with a mental age of just 18 months he requires round-the-clock care.

Elliot pictured (top) in his brother’s old pushchair, (bottom left), trying out a specialist chair and (bottom right) with his dad, serving officer Andy

The constant demands placed on the family are physically, emotionally and financially draining. Andy and his family have made many sacrifices including Andy’s wife, Carly giving up her career to look after their son. Elliot also has a younger brother called Oliver who due to Elliot’s needs misses out on many activities, trips and opportunities that most five-year-olds often take for granted. This causes a huge strain on his family.

Because Elliot’s autism affects his ability to cope in public situations, going out can be very challenging and upsetting. Since he was three years old Elliot has needed a special needs pushchair that keeps him safe and secure. Unfortunately he has now outgrown this. To enable Elliot and his family to go out safely together he needed a bigger pushchair. The wheelchair service won’t supply these and the family were struggling to get out and about.

When Andy got in touch with us we were keen to offer our support and make daily life a little bit easier for the whole family.

The officer told us about a special needs buggy that is lightweight and yet durable with plenty of room for Elliot as he grows.

We were delighted to award Andy and his family a grant to pay for the new specialist chair and we are looking forward to hearing about Elliot’s progress when his new buggy is delivered.