For children and families living with Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus, simple days out in nature were often filled with obstacles and limitations. But that’s beginning to change with Quadrix – with the roll-out of a state-of-the-art, all-terrain wheelchair project.
Delivered by Ballymena-based charity Love Hope & Faith, Quadrix is a purpose-built all-terrain wheelchair designed like a sporty, go-anywhere bike. The rider sits comfortably, steers and brakes, and gets to feel the thrill of the great outdoors with full support throughout the journey. Parks, fields and countryside that were once out of reach are now opening up for children with complex mobility needs, giving them genuine freedom and joy in nature.
At the heart of the story is community. Long-standing family friends Sean and Geraldine McLaughlin, owners of The Stone Hound Public House and Kitchen in Antrim, The Fullerton Arms and Kraken Fish & Chips, have supported the project from day one – including leasing the Volkswagen ID. Buzz used daily to bring Quadrix to families right across Northern Ireland.
And the charity’s ambitions don’t stop there. Love Hope & Faith has now reached a major milestone in its long-term vision for an inclusive Eco Retreat in Ballymena, launching the first stage in seeking the capital funding needed to begin building.
Once completed, the project, to be named, ‘Mary’s Heaven’, will make Love Hope & Faith the first charity in the UK to deliver an Eco Retreat at ECOS site in Ballymena, dedicated specifically to the needs of children with Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus and their families.
“Today is a momentous day for us as a charity.,” said founder of Love, Hope and Faith, Darren McGinty.
“With planning permission secured a few months back, we’re now focused on the first stage of securing our Capital Funding that will turn this vision into a place where families can rest, play, recover and belong.”
For many families, experiences that most take for granted – woodland walks, seaside days, family adventures – were filled with barriers. Love, Hope and Faith is changing that.
The new retreat facility will include expansive outdoor space, a hydrotherapy pool for physical therapy and wellbeing, sensory spaces to support engagement and relaxation, accessible bedrooms with wetrooms, kitchen and communal lounge areas for quality family time, and a custom-designed cinema for everyday entertainment.
Love Hope & Faith was founded by Darren and Emma McGinty, whose daughter Avah was born with Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus. Navigating the emotional and practical realities of limited mobility options inspired Darren to build something that would help not just his own family, but others facing the same challenges. Now 14, Avah is enjoying the newfound outdoor freedom the Quadrix allows.
Sean McLaughlin, who donated the Volkswagen ID. Buzz to allow the Quadrix to be rolled out nationally to families right across Northern Ireland said: “This charity is incredibly close to our hearts. We’ve seen first-hand the challenges families face when access and mobility are limited. Seeing children experience freedom and joy outdoors really brings home the difference this makes. It changes family life.”
With Quadrix already changing lives and the Eco Retreat moving into capital fundraising, Love Hope & Faith hopes to reach even more families, ensuring that children living with lifelong conditions are supported to live fuller, more meaningful and joyful lives.
Love Hope & Faith is a registered charity supporting children with Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus, working to promote wellbeing for children and their families through practical support, encouragement and access to inclusive projects.
Visit www.lovehopeandfaith.co.uk for more.