When Children Today was first approached by Linda Miles, Director of the Brian Kennedy Trust, in August 2011, I was more than a little curious to learn more, as I had no prior knowledge of any previous connection with Brian Kennedy, owner of rugby premiership club Sale Sharks, or the trust that bears his name.

However, all was revealed in a subsequent meeting with Linda, when she explained that Brian, who is passionate about helping very young children with disabilities, wanted to give very practical help in the form a generous donation to support our work with children in the North West.

With so many children waiting for equipment, it was a very difficult task to decide which particular children should benefit from the Trust’s donation. In common with Children Today, The Brian Kennedy Trust recognises the very significant value of early intervention, by way of specialised equipment provision, in a disabled child’s life, so the three Ms were chosen: Marley, Megan and Maisey.

Marley, now age 3, is from Blackpool and has Cerebral Palsy. He needed a specialised tricycle at a cost of £900.00.

Megan is 5 and is from Stoke-on-Trent. Megan also has Cerebral Palsy and needed a specialised tricycle at a cost of £875.00.

Maisey, age 4, is from Wigan and was treated for a hypothalamic tumour in her left cerebral hemisphere. Maisey needed a height adjustable bed at a cost of £4,230.00.

On behalf of the Trustees and Staff at Children Today, I would like to thank Linda for all her hard work and the Brian Kennedy Trust for their very generous support in helping us to fund this specialised equipment for Marley, Megan and Maisey, and look forward to working together again in the near future.