Frazer-Nash Consultancy has been supporting charity Whizz-Kidz as it brings children’s #DreamWheelchair ideas to life.
Whizz-Kidz, which transforms the lives of disabled children by providing the vital equipment, support and life skills they need to reach their full potential, ran a competition asking young people to design and describe their #DreamWheelchair.
A winner was chosen from each of three age categories: 12 and under; 13- to 17-year-olds; and 18- to 25-year-olds, before Hannah Bishop from Horsham was awarded the overall winner prize for her ‘MEGA BOT’ – a wheelchair that enables her to travel anywhere. As part of her prize, Hannah will receive a 3D printed model of her design produced by Frazer-Nash Consultancy.
Frazer-Nash Engineer, Alex Sewell, visited Hannah to discuss how some of her ideas could be realised using engineering techniques, before producing the computer aided design drawings and 3D printed model in time for today’s prize giving ceremony at Cavendish Square in central London.
Alex said:
“It was great to meet Hannah and share her dream for the ‘MEGA BOT’. Specially-designed wheels allow it to walk upstairs, giving Hannah access to her friends’ homes and shops; and fold out blades fly the chair anywhere she wants. It can also hover, allowing Hannah to move on the beach, while an inflating ball means the chair can travel underwater.
“One of the things I love about engineering is that the work I do makes a difference in the world. Having talked to Hannah about her dream, it’s my dream that, one day, we will have the technology to make Hannah’s #DreamWheelchair into reality. That’s why we’re also delighted to be supporting the Wheels of Change project which will deliver new innovations to enhance mobility equipment.”
The two runners up, who were awarded first prize in their age section will also each receive a photo rendered print of their design.
The #DreamWheelchair competition is part of Wheels of Change, a £1 million project funded by players of People’s Postcode Lottery through its Dream Fund initiative. Wheels of Change is a partnership between Whizz-Kidz, Duchenne UK and the University of Edinburgh and is researching and developing new technology, design and innovation to integrate with and enhance mobility equipment.
To find out more about Whizz-Kidz, visit the charity’s website here.
