We are proud to share the story of a meaningful international donation effort that recently saw 21 pieces of specialist paediatric equipment sent to support children with disabilities in Ukraine.
As part of an equipment renewal programme, we identified several items of mobility and therapeutic equipment that were no longer meeting the specific needs of our students. Additionally, some of the equipment was not in the best condition, and had exceeded its servicing and repair timelines. While still technically usable, much of it had remained unused for several years and was beginning to take up valuable space needed for newer, more appropriate resources. Rather than disposing of the equipment, we saw an opportunity to make a difference elsewhere. Some items had originally belonged to students and their families who generously agreed to donate them for this cause. Other pieces were previously owned by the school but had not been in active use for quite some time.
The idea for the donation came from a dedicated member of Treloar’s staff, originally from Ukraine. Aware of the urgent need for paediatric equipment in her home country, especially in light of the ongoing conflict, she proposed that the unused items be donated to Ukrainian children. Drawing on her network of contacts across both the UK and Ukraine, she took the lead in organising the logistics of the donation.
Working closely with charity organisations including Ukrainian Action in the UK, Health and Mercy and Life with an Alternative in Ukraine, Treloar’s Physiotherapy Team threw themselves into the task of preparing the equipment for shipment. Their meticulous work ensured that every item was cleaned and documented for transfer.
Ukrainian Action facilitated the transportation of the equipment from Treloar’s to a central warehouse in London, from which it was then shipped to Ukraine. The Health and Mercy charity has since taken responsibility for storing the equipment, while the charity Life with an Alternative has dedicated itself to distribute the equipment to children and families in need.
The heads of the Physiotherapy Department at Treloar’s, along with the entire Physiotherapy Team, offered invaluable support throughout the process—turning what could have been a logistical challenge into a humanitarian success.
This initiative is a testament to the compassion, dedication and international spirit that thrives within the Treloar’s community. Through collaboration, generosity, and a shared commitment to improving lives, this donation will go on to make a real difference to children in need—offering them greater mobility, comfort, and independence during uncertain times.
