Cerebra’s products include an oxygen stroller and oxygen scooter for children who need mobile oxygen tanks or food pumps, and titanium and carbon fibre 3D-printed crutches. The aim is to give greater independence to disabled children
Cerebra is a national charity dedicated to helping children with brain conditions. All mobility solutions are built at the Cerebra Innovation Centre (CIC) in Carmarthen, Wales. They are designed to be both functional for specific needs and also cool and fun.
James Hay, Cerebra’s Fundraising Manager, says: “Using titanium for crutches is rare in 3D printing – they are the lightest crutches in the world made from carbon fibre and titanium. They look amazing in jet black rather than dull stainless steel. We had the opportunity to create more thanks to the grant.”
Removing cost barriers
At around £5,000 each, the 3D printed crutches highlight the financial barriers faced by families wanting to improve the mobility of children with serious brain conditions. This is where the grant from the Motability Foundation comes in – all Cerebra services are free to children and their families.
“We created the stroller and scooter to remove the need for a parent to be next to the child with a rucksack connected by a tube to the pump or tank,” says James. “There’ll come a point when that child will use other equipment and then we recycle those to be used by other children. Because they’re so sturdy they last.”
Sammy, age three, was one of the first to receive a stroller. Mum Kirsty says: “Our son is on 24/7 oxygen. I saw the stroller on Instagram and thought he’d benefit from one. It has helped Sammy to have his freedom.”
Call 01267 244223 or email cic@cerebra.org.uk for info.
