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Community rallies to help buy disabled school girl a new set of wheels

Local News by Matthew Hancock-Bruce 12th Mar 2026  
Dozens of people have donated to a GoFundMe page setup to buy a Macclesfield schoolgirl a new stroller (Credit: Supplied)
Dozens of people have donated to a GoFundMe page setup to buy a Macclesfield schoolgirl a new stroller (Credit: Supplied)
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The Macclesfield community has rallied to buy a disabled girl a new set of wheels.

Alice Swain and her daughter, Faith, were left stranded last week after Faith's specially adapted stroller broke apart while on their way home from Park Lane School.

Since then, dozens of people have donated to a GoFundMe page setup to help purchase a new chair.

Alice, a minister at The Salvation Army Macclesfield, said: "We thought we might get a little bit of money towards the cost but didn't expect at all that people would respond so generously.

"People from Faith's school, church and wider community all came together and it was really humbling.

"It is amazing that a little girl who is unable to speak can communicate so much love, determination and hope that people simply wanted to help her."

Faith and Alice (Credit: Supplied)

Eight-year-old Faith has Down's syndrome and a number of physical and developmental needs, meaning she struggles with mobility.

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Alice and Faith use the stroller every day to go to and from school, as well as enjoy days out and walks in the countryside.

When the chair broke, Alice applied for a wheelchair through the local NHS but were told that Faith didn't qualify for an assessment.

"We were devastated that the NHS dismissed our request without even seeing her or considering the severity of her mobility issues," said Alice, 40.

"As a SEN parent, so many things seem to be a fight and it is so sad that we have had to fight for basic equipment that allows Faith to do the same as other children her age.

"The whole thing left me feeling angry, frustrated and very sad."

A spokesperson for Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust said: "We are unable to comment on individual patient cases due to confidentiality.

"Wheelchair services are commissioned locally, and assessments are carried out against nationally and locally agreed clinical criteria to ensure that NHS resources are allocated based on clinical need. Where someone does not meet the eligibility criteria for an NHS-provided wheelchair, advice will be given on alternative options and sources of support that may be available.

"We would encourage the family to contact our Patient Advice and Complaints team, who can review the circumstances of their case and help ensure any concerns are fully considered by the service."

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Faith uses the stroller to get to and from school, as well as on days out with the family (Credit: Supplied)

In response, Alice's sister set up a GoFundMe page and within 12 hours, they had received £1,500 towards the cost of a new chair.

The GoFundMe page can be found here.

     

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