One Million Pounds

DTD Charity has now hit the £1m mark on charity spend. Yes -  we have paid out a total of £1,001,180.63 on grants for a variety of items from wheelchairs, to trikes, to hoists and a whole host of other specialist items. A huge thank you to all the staff of Dusk Till Dawn who contribute 1% of their salary to the fund and to the management who support the administration of the charity.

EXTENDED GEOGRAPHICAL COVERAGE

The trustees are delighted to announce an extension to the area we can now cover. Along with applications from the East Midlands and West Midlands regions we are now able to consider applications from the counties of Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, South Yorkshire, West Yorkshire and Greater Manchester. Please have a look at our FAQ page for funding criteria. You will also find a postcode checker on our application page.

Help in those hilly areas

Following a road traffic accident 30 years ago Richard has become a full-time wheelchair user due to an incomplete T8. His manual wheelchair is great for day to day getting about, especially indoors. However outside it's a bit tougher. DTD Charity was able to help with the funding towards a triride. Richard writes, 'I’ve had my triride just over two weeks and it’s amazing. The biggest help is around my village I’m able to walk our dog independently now. Going to our local park is amazing as a couple of hill meant me be pushed up them, not anymore. Thanks so much for this must need equipment and your very kind donation.' 

The right wheelchair

Another light weight wheelchair

Elaine was involved in a road traffic accident when she was just five which left her paralysed. After many years as a manual wheelchair user Elaine was suffering from shoulder pain and needed to move to a powered wheelchair for everyday use. The only one available from Wheelchair Services was heavy, bulky and unsuitable for use in Elaine's home. We were able to help by part-funding a new light weight wheelchair with powered wheels as recommended by Elaine's Occupational Therapist. Elaine has written to say how much easy life is now she has her new wheelchair.

Powered Wheelchair

This lovely lady, who has multiple sclerosis, was looking for a new wheelchair. Her previous wheelchair was beyond repair and all that was available via statutory means was too large to manoeuvre around the house. She was having to use her old manual wheelchair at home which she was not able to push herself so had to rely on her husband every time she wanted to move. We were able to help with a grant for a new power wheelchair. Unfortunately due to supply issues it has taken months and months and months but finally the new wheelchair arrived, “Thank you for your support! Much appreciated. Thank you once again for your love and support which has made such a difference to my wife’s and my life.”

Welcome South Yorkshire

DTD Charity is pleased to announce an extension to the geographical area we cover. As well as the UK regions of the East Midlands and the West Midlands, the trustees are welcoming funding applications from the county of South Yorkshire. Please have a look at our FAQ page for a general outline of our funding criteria.

Longer walks for Hamble

Kelsey has been using both a powered wheelchair and a manual wheelchair for the past 6 years. The powered wheelchair allows Kelsey to cover longer distances but isn't very comfortable and is difficult to transport. The manual wheelchair has a huge benefits including exercise but Kelsey has to rely of friends to push her as she tires quickly. The solution was a powered attachment for her manual wheelchair. Unfortunately there is no statutory funding for these. DTD Charity was able to help with funding toward a SMOOV and now Kelsey and her assistant dog Hamble can enjoy longer walks together. Kelsey writes, 'Hamble and I went to meet up with friends for some lunch and for the first time we didn't need someone to meet me at my car and push me to the restaurant. I was also able to take Hamble to some grass to toilet instead of asking a friend to do it!' We call that a result.

Area update

Due to the impact of Covid for the past year we have been accepting nationwide applications. From the 1st January 2022 we will no longer be covering the whole of the UK. As a small company charity funded by the staff and management of Dusk Till Dawn Nottingham, the trustees have decided to concentrate the awards we make in the areas local to the staff that fund the charity. We will however still be covering the East Midlands and the West Midlands. All nationwide applications received in 2021 will still be processed.

Thank you

A lovely thank you from the students at Chadsgrove Educational Trust Specialist College

Power for a manual wheelchair

We have recently been able to help with a Firefly wheelchair attachment and Briar writes to say, 'It’s making such a difference already being able to access more places and have less pain and fatigue- if it wasn’t for the Firefly, I wouldn’t have actually been able to self-propel myself to go out because of the pain I was in. My dogs love trotting along next to it too and going on longer walks now I can be more mobile- my assistance dog Bramble is in the photo. Thank you so much to the charity for providing the grant, it’s definitely been life changing. Thank you.'

A very happy Alan

Unfortunatley we are not able to accept mobility scooter applications at the moment.

We were able to Alan, who has Charcot Marie Tooth disease, and his daughter, who attends a special school, with funding for a mobility scooter. Alan writes, 'Now I can pick my daughter up from school and we can go out again without any worries as I can not lie all of the stress before was really getting me down which I'm so pleased to say it has stopped now I can go out without the worry of the little things stopped us. I can take my daughter outside again to do activities like picking leaves and acorns at the moment it's just amazing words can't express how truly grateful I am. Thanks to everyone at DTD.'

Wheelchair repairs

Help for a special college

Today's official opening of some new facilities we were able to help fund at Chadsgrove Educational Trust. This is a specialist college offering further education college offering opportunities to 19 -25 year olds with severe and profund learning disabilities.

Wheelchairs Galore

Through July and August DTD Charity has been busy processing wheelchair applications and the trustees have been able to make pledges towards five different wheelchairs. Pledge amounts have varied from £780 to £5,000.

Players Donation

A big thank you to TeamLYE.poker for the kind donation they have made to the charity today.

Lightweight Wheelchair

Chris, who is tetraplegic following an accident in his early 20's, recently developed an immune system syndrome which has weakened his muscles. After an extended stay in hospital in 2020 it became clear that his old wheelchair was no longer suitable as it was too heavy for him to manoeuvre effectively. "I am writing to say a big thank you for the £2,500 you donated towards a new lightweight wheelchair. Along with some funding from wheelchair services I managed to get enough funds to purchase the chair. I now have my new chair and I love it. It has already made a huge difference to my independence and Wellbeing. I feel so much more confident. Thank you once again."

Powered Wheelchair

Kevin has facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy. This means a progressive muscle degeneration, with increasing weakness and loss of bulk of muscles. A powered wheelchair was recommended for Kevin and DTD Charity was able to fund the full amount needed to purchase it. We were delighted to hear from Kevin a few weeks after he took delivery of new wheelchair when he wrote to say, "it has made my life so much better, have been out on it a lot".

Wheelchair funding

After quite a battle and with part funding from DTD Charity, Heather was finally able to get the wheelchair she needed. After a lower leg amputation Heather has not always been able to use her prosthetic which can be very uncomfortable. She needed a lightweight wheelchair with removable wheels so that she could easily get it in and out of the car and maintain her independence. She writes to say, "So grateful for your help it’s changed mine and my daughter's life. Thanks to having this chair I can at least get outside. Forever grateful." 

Accessibility

'A huge thank you to the wonderful DTD Charity for funding my pathway. I can now get around my outside space and garden on my prosthetic legs and on a bad day using my wheelchair without any difficulties. I'm so grateful for the help, well done for the marvellous work you are doing and also thanks to Betel Gardens for doing a brilliant job with the pathway.'

Mobility Scooters

After much consideration the trustees have decided that, for the time being, they will no longer be able to consider applications for mobility scooters. 

2021 Awards - So Far...

So far this year the trustees of DTD Charity are pleased to have been able to help with funding towards two powerchairs, one sports wheelchair, one hoist, two accessibility projects, one DFG top-up, one mobilty scooter and some specialist leggings.

Exerciser

Megan has cerebral palsy and uses a powered wheelchair for day to day activities. Her physio was keen for Megan to exercise her arms and legs to help with muscle and joint stiffness as well as maintaining cardiovascular fitness. DTD Charity has been able to help by part funding a MOTOmed LOOP for arms and legs. Not the easiest, to take a selfie whilst using a hand cycle

Electric wheelchair

DTD Charity is delighted to have been able to help Mark fund his new wheelchair. He was born with Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenital and his specialist chair allows him to move around independently.

Mark writes, "I am so thrilled with it.  I can already feel a huge difference in my comfort. Thank you so much for your kind pledge."

When the Covid restrictions abate Mark will be able to get out and about again and once more be able to get down to the local pool to enjoy his weekly swim.

National Coverage

We know how difficult 2020 was for so many and things are still going to be tough in 2021. For this reason the trustees have agreed to expand the geographical area we cover to the whole of the UK for a six month trial. So we are now welcoming applictions from all UK postcodes until the end of July. Hopefully we can help more people with funding for much needed items like new wheelchairs. 

Smart Drive

Following a road traffic accident in his teens Rob became a full-time wheelchair user. After many years of use Rob’s shoulders were being to give him increased pain and were making it particularly difficult for him to manoeuvre on uneven surfaces. DTD Charity was able to help with funding toward a Smart Drive and Rob has written to say what a difference it has made especially as he has been able to avoid shoulder surgery. He has also been able to spend more quality time outdoors with his grandson, a real bonus in this very strange year.

Can anyone help?

A safe space to sleep

Just before lockdown we were able to help Danny who is non-verbal autistic and struggles with sleeping. His mum writes to say, “Thank you so much for all your help in getting the safe space bed . It has  been amazing . It’s a life changing piece of equipment . Danny’s sleep routine has been so much more settled and I have piece of mind knowing he’s safe and the fact that Danny loves it so much is a added bonus! Sending big thanks”. 

Covid-19

COVID-19 Update

DTD Charity is funded by the staff and management of Dusk Till Dawn, Nottingham; staff contribute 1% of their salary and the management matches it. Administration costs are also covered by the management so that all the financial contributions can be used to assist others. The staff involved with DTD Charity work for Dusk Till Dawn and have various roles within the organisation; they administer the charity on a part-time and often out of hours basis. 

Due to the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic it is with a heavy heart that Dusk Till Dawn has made the decision to furlough staff. Like many other organisations it is the company's overriding priority to protect the health and wellbeing of staff, customers and also all the beneficiaries of DTD Charity. We will continue to monitor and follow UK government guidelines.

We would like to apologises for the inconvenience this may cause but appreciate your understanding.

Stay Home, Protect the NHS, Save Lives

Covid-19 Update

Covid-19 Update - We're Back

As a charity funded by the staff and management of a leisure industry company, Dusk Till Dawn (which remains closed as per government restrictions), we have been furloughed. Luckily a limited number of staff have been able to started back one hour a day to deal with DTD Charity work. Please bear with us as we deal with the backlog.

Hand-cycle for a wheelchair

12 years ago Philip, from Notttingham, had a life changing accident and is now tetraplegic. In order to help with fitness and generally getting out and about he had a hand cycle attachment for his manual wheelchair. After 10 years of use this needed replacing and DTD Charity was able to help with funding towards a Speedy Duo 2. Philip's OT has written to say, "He is continuing to enjoy the freedom gained from having a bike that he is able to operate independently...Thank you again for the help DTD Charity has given."   

Young Carers Awareness Day

A big shout out to all the young carers out there, you do a great job. Young carers have many more responsibilities than most young people. These can include things like helping someone get up, washed, toileted and dressed; preparing food; looking after siblings; administering medication; doing the washing and cleaning - and this is all before they leave for school.

Thank you

On a cold, wet January day this montage has made me smile. I hope it makes you smile too .

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Merry Christmas Everyone and a special thank you to all the staff at Dusk Till Dawn, Nottingham who fund DTD Charity by donating 1% of their salaries. 

International Day of Disabled Persons

Today is the annual observance of the International Day of Disabled Persons. This special day was begun in 112 by the United Nations.  It aims to promote the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities in all spheres of society and development, and to increase awareness of the situation of persons with disabilities in every aspect of political, social, economic and cultural life.

Mobility Scooter

Unfortunatley we are not able to accept mobility scooter applications at the moment.

Left as a below knee amputee after a teenage accident Rob was finding it increasing difficult to get out and about. DTD Charity has been able to help with funding for a mobility scooter.

Electric Wheelchair

A lovely 'thank-you' from Shaun.

Makaton Training

Our Fund Manager, Zoe, attended a makaton course, the language programme that uses signs and symbols to give everyone a helping hand to communicate.

Mobility Scooter

Unfortunatley we are not able to accept mobility scooter applications at the moment.

Janet has sent this wonderful photo to say thank you to DTD Charity for funding her mobility scooter. She is no longer housebound and can now get out and about and visit friends and family locally.

Diversity Awards

Congratulations to Myles - a local Nottingham hero

World Spinal Cord Injury Day

Because #EveryFourHours a spinal cord injury changes someone's life.

World Friendship Day

Today is World Friendship Day - say hello to someone new today. It could be that neighbour you pass in the street or the person you sit opposite on the bus. And pass on that smile.

Hand-cycle

A couple of years ago we were able to help Andrew with the final bit of funding towards a hand-cycle. Andrew has become a keen cyclist and has really benefitted from the activity. He has kept in touch and came back to us this year to see if we could top up the funds he needed to make some modifications to his hand-cycle. With a small motor attached he is now able to pedal further and he continues to get all the physical and social benefits of cycling.

Changing Places Awareness Day

Today is Changing Places Awareness Day. Did you know that only 63 UK hospitals have a registered changing places toilet?

Deaf Awareness Week

DTD Charity is marking Deaf Awareness Week, 6th-12th May. Previously we have been able to help Isla who was born profoundly deaf. She has bilateral cochlear implants which allows her to attend mainstream school, however she was not going to be allowed to join her classmates for swimming lessons as her implants can not be used in water.  We were able to help with the purchase of a water tight system and Isla’s mum wrote to say, “Isla had her first swimming lesson with school yesterday and her teacher reported back that she coped really well. Isla told me she really enjoyed it too, despite being very anxious about it the night before.  Isla has also been wearing her new kit in the bath and shower, a time of day which used to be quite difficult due to Isla getting frustrated by feeling isolated, as she bathed in complete silence, and much prefers to listen than lip read or sign. The experience of the sound of the shower water running over her for the first time, something we take for granted and probably completely ignore, put a huge smile on her little face. We as a family will always be truly grateful.”

'Tough' sofa

Bradley, aged 18, has a diagnosis of autism. He is non-verbal and has severe learning difficulties and uses bouncing and rocking as coping mechanisms. Having gone through two sofas in two year Tough Furniture was finally recommended to his mum as an alternative to standard furniture. DTD Charity was able to help by funding a new sofa for Bradley. Hi mum has written to say, ‘I just wanted to take the opportunity to thank you for helping us with the sofa for Bradley. It's lovely and will be perfect for him.’

Downs Syndrome Awareness Day

Muscular Dystrophy Wheelchair

DTD Charity was able to help a 27 year old Leicester man who has Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy by contributing towards his new wheelchair. His mum wrote to say, ‘I must say a big thank you as this wouldn't have been possible to achieve without you. You have really made a big difference to my son’s quality of life and we will be grateful always.’ 

Rebound Therapy

DTD Charity are delighted to have funded a trampoline for a Nottinghamshire SEN school. After a couple of hours unloading the lorry and setting up the equipment Zoe was ready for some rebound therapy along with Chloe Smith of Ash Lea School. 

Wheelchair

Paige has limited mobility due to cerebral palsy. She is in an elite level wheelchair racer and has recently started a new job at the Matt Hampson Foundation. DTD Charity was able to help with funding towards a new day chair. She writes, ‘My chair promotes, correctly supported seating and helps with maintaining posture and comfort when in use on a daily basis. I wouldn't be without it, it has made the world of difference and gives me my independence. Thanks again for your support.’

Safe Travel Bed

A Nottinghamshire mum, who’s son has cerebral palsy, wrote to say, ‘I am just messaging you to thank you & the DTD Charity for helping us to raise the money for our son’s special needs travel bed. We have now received the bed and are over the moon with it. This bed is a life saver, we no longer have to worry about Robbie’s safety when we are on holiday. So here’s a massive thank you from the bottom of our hearts, you all are amazing.’

Mobility Scooter

Unfortunatley we are not able to accept mobility scooter applications at the moment.

Six months ago Ieva was involved in a road traffic accident which has left her with life-changing injuries. Having recovered from length surgery and a period of rehabilitation Ieva now is able to walk short distances with 2 sticks. Longer distances cause pain and discomfort. DTD Charity were able to help with the purchase of a scooter. Ieva is delighted to be re-gaining her independence and freedom.

Happy New Year

Happy New Year Everyone. 

We aim to help severely disabled people of all ages; including those with significant sensory, physical, and intellectual impairments and those with complex and challenging behavioural needs. We can pay for, or contribute towards specific items which will make a positive difference to the quality of life of individuals or groups.

Merry Christmas

Thank you so much to everyone that has contributed to DTD Charity in 2018. The charity aims to help local disabled people and is funded by the staff, management and customers of Dusk Till Dawn. Your donations make a real difference to lives.

In 2018 the DTD Charity trustees have considered 40 funding applications and grants made include funding towards:-

9  wheelchairs

6 home alterations

5 specialist beds and chairs

4 mobility scooters

3 specialist accommodation holidays

2 trikes

Weight Challenge Update

Wadey has also had a massive week shifting 8lbs since the weigh-in.

A new trike

Dominic has Kabuki syndrome, low muscle tone, speech and learning disability. His developmental delay means he needs help with all aspects of his daily life and personal care.  Although Dominic cannot stand unaided he loves outdoor activities and had enjoyed family days out on a trike which he outgrew. DTD Charity were able to help with a replacement trike which can be pushed from behind which will help with Dominic’s leg muscle tone or attached to a bike and towed along by the pedal power of mum or dad. On a good day Dominic will be able to propel himself.

Donate online - by popular demand

Although DTD Charity is mainly funded by the staff and management of Dusk Till Dawn a number of requests have been made to have a 'donate' page to make it easier for others to contribute too - so we have - thanks to IT and Finance for making this happen.

Brenda and Zoe trying out a Vest

Cystic Fibrosis is an inherited genetic disease that affects over 10,000 people in the UK. A thick, sticky mucus accumulates in the lungs, pancreas, intestines and other organs causing a wide range of challenging symptoms. The Wolfson CF Centre is the regional adult centre based at City Hospital, Nottingham and DTD Charity was able to help with funding for two High Frequency Chest Wall Oscilliation Vests. A vest is usually worn for 20-30 minutes for up to 3-4 times a day and can be a useful alternative for some people who are not able spend hours a day doing physiotherapy and taking nebulised treatments to alleviate symptoms and minimize lung infections.

Weight Loss Challenge

Dusk Till Dawn regulars are taking part in a charity weight loss competion. Money raised will go to DTD Charity which supports severely disabled people across the counties of Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, Leicestershire, West Midlands and Warwickshire.  After much complaining  the initial weigh-in was completed - Hollie Hearts (Adam Bone and Hollie Capper) have a combined weight of 1.81 and the competitors, Gone Fishing (Wadey Ashraf and Dan Pratchett) have a combined weight of 31.5. May the best team win.

Re-bound Therapy

Peter, 1, lives in supported living in Nottinghamshire. He has severe autism and learning disabilities together with challenging behaviour. Peter loved his trampoline which had a wonderful calming effect on him. Unfortunately it was old and became unsafe for him to use. DTD Charity was able to help with a new in-ground trampoline which was suitable for both Peter and his housemate. This will help with both sensory experiences and exercise. One of Peter's carers writes to say, "I would like to thank you for your donations and contributions to the installation of this, it is proving to be of great benefit."

Electric Scooter

Unfortunatley we are not able to accept mobility scooter applications at the moment.

Six months ago Ieva was involved in a road traffic accident which has left her with life-changing injuries. Having recovered from length surgery and a period of rehabilitation Ieva now is able to walk short distances with 2 sticks. Longer distances cause pain and discomfort. DTD Charity were able to help with the purchase of a scooter. Ieva is delighted to be re-gaining her independence and freedom.

Nicola's Electric Wheelchair

Nicola has cerebral palsy and was no longer able to manage her manual wheelchair. She and her family had saved hard to allow Nicola to fund the adaptations of her own home in Birmingham to allow her to live independent. She had to defer her college teaching course as the electric chair temporarily provided by Wheelchair Services was just not suitable. A number of charities, including DTD Charity were able to help by contributing towards a suitable chair for Nicola. She writes to say, "The Dragon powerchair really is fantastic, thanks so much for your support with purchasing it: it makes my busy life better and easier in so many ways, from social interaction with people standing up, to playing with my cat on the floor, to picking things up if I drop them, and getting underneath tables of varying heights, due to its ability to change height to such a great degree."

Nirav's Electric Wheelchair

Nirav, from Nottingham, has merosin deficit congenial muscular dystrophy and is reliant on an electric wheelchair for all his mobility needs. His previous chair was old and had been discontinued meaning he could no longer get replacement parts. DTD Charity were able to help by contributing towards his new chair which in turn has helped Nirav to continue to be an active member of the Muscular Dystrophy UK's Trailblazers, a network of young disabled people who campaign to remove the barriers that prevent them from living full and independent lives. He writes to say, "I sit a lot straighter and I feel and the seat raising function has definitely been a life changer. Many many thanks once again for all your assistance."

Electric Wheelchair

In Dominic’s own words - ‘I am writing to say a big thank you for the £2,000 you donated towards a new powered wheelchair. Along with some funding from other charities I managed to get enough funds to purchase the chair. As you can see I now have my new chair and I love it. It has lights and indicators and it has a micro-control which I can manage even though I don’t have much strength in my hands. I feel so much more confident. Thank you once again. Dominic’

Scooot

Harrison is now three years old and lives in Warwickshire with his mum and dad. Despite extensive testing Harrison's condition remains undiagnosed although it is clear he has severe global delay, low muscle tone and limited movement of his legs. Harrison however remains a happy and contented little boy who likes his books and playing with his toys. DTD Charity were able to help by funding a Scooot which provides an early experience of independence for children with mobility challenges. It frees them to explore their home, play and race around without help. Mum wrote, "Just a short note to say, we received it just after Christmas and Harrison is using it every day". Many thanks to both you and the DTD Charity for all your help and assistance with this."

Through-floor Lift

After an acute illness Hazel had to have one leg amputated above the knee. She has worked hard with her physio and is aiming to return to work as soon as she can. Hazel lives in a typical Victorian terrace with an extremely steep staircase. After much discussion and debate she was advised that in no circumstances should she try to climb the stairs herself and that unfortunately the staircase was not suitable for a stairlift. Hazel was facing a future of sleeping alone downstairs but DTD Charity were able to help with some funding towards a through floor lift. She is now able to safely access the bedroom and bathroom and Hazel wanted to thank all involved with making this happen for her.

Profiling Bed

One of DTD Charity’s recent grants was for a profiling bed and our happy client has written to say, “I would like to say again a big Thank you for the grant and all your support you provided for me, this grant will make a difference in my life. From the beginning of this year I was struggling with my health. and now your charity have given a grant which means I can get an adjustable bed to support my needs.’

Mobility Scooter

Unfortunatley we are not able to accept mobility scooter applications at the moment.

Gillian's chronic back pain had left her incontinent and unable to walk more than a few paces. Although Wheelchair Services had supplied her with an indoor electric wheelchair they wouldn't provide an outdoor one due to access problems. This meant that Gillian was very isolated and lacked any independence. DTD Charity was able to help with the purchase of a mobility scooter. At Christmas Gillian wrote to say how her life had greatly improved with the scooter and how she was enjoying getting out and about. It was lovely to hear about such a positive outcome.

Players Donation

Big thanks to Sylvia and Adam who came down to the club and played poker, our very own Caesar and Diana, to raise money for DTD Charity. Thank you also to all staff & players who contributed helping raise £1000.

Hand-cycle

Andrew, who lives in the West Midlands was given a medical discharge from the Army having served for 9 years. His knee injury continued to worsen and now Andrew uses a wheelchair 90% of the time. Having lived an outdoor and active life Andrew managed to keep his mind engaged but struggled to remain physically fit. Andrew raised half the money towards a hand-cycle and DTD Charity was able to help by funding the remainder. Within a few weeks Andrew was able to increase the distance he could cycle and wrote to say, "Thanks again for helping me get this wonderful machine."

Drop Arm Chair

Jasdeep has cerebral palsy which includes being blind and having learning difficulties. He was no longer able to go to day care as there was no appropriate chair for him to sit in. Spending too long in his wheelchair was extremely uncomfortable for Jasdeep and was leading to challenging behaviour. DTD Charity was able to help with the purchase of a drop arm chair which allows Jasdeep to side transfer from his wheelchair and therefore access respite care. His advocate writes to say, "Once again many thanks, It is humbling to think that employees are willing to contribute in this way to the charity."