Children at Bluebell Wood Hospice have Sheffield-based Jenx and Jiraffe to thank for making their therapy sessions more comfortable.

Hillsborough-based Jenx and Jiraffe have donated over £2,500 of their pioneering equipment for children with disabilities.

For over 35 years, Jenx has been researching, designing and manufacturing pioneering developmental postural equipment that supports children who have complex postural needs. Jiraffe is the company’s UK retail division.

Its world-leading products help children fulfil their potential, supporting them through daily activities from eating, sleeping and learning to play.

Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice is the company’s nominated Charity of the Year 2019, and while members of the Charity Committee were on a visit to its North Anston site, they saw one of their own products - a therapy wedge support - in use in the Sensory Room, where children’s senses are stimulated through sight and sound.

Bluebell Wood’s physiotherapist Lesley Spencer explained how beneficial children had found the wedges, which enable them to play while lying down, and the team were inspired to further help the children of Bluebell Wood by donating additional items.

Jiraffe Divisional Director Holly Jenkins said: “Bluebell Wood is a charity close to the hearts of many at Jiraffe and Jenx. We are privileged and very proud to be able to support their incredible work and hope this donation brings lots of fun, smiles and happy memories.

“The hospice provides exceptional care and support for both children and families. This is something very close to our company mission of helping children with special postural needs to live happy and fulfilling lives.”

Lesley Spencer said: “We know first-hand how brilliant products within the Jenx range are and we are so grateful to them for this wonderful gift of three more wedges, a mat and a Ziggy support. This equipment will undoubtedly enrich our children’s lives.” 

Doncaster dad Tony Critchley has already seen what a difference the equipment can make. His son Kian, 12, enjoyed using one of the new wedges during a physiotherapy session. Tony said: "Kian couldn't wait to try out one of the wedges. It meant that instead of being given hands-on stretching therapy, he could get all the stretches he needed simply by lying on his stomach to play with his soft toys.”

During their partnership, staff at Jenx and Jiraffe have also donated over 50 bags of stock to Bluebell Wood shops, held an Easter raffle, donated Easter craft items and on corporate volunteer days a number of employees have worked at the hospice.