Macclesfield
Nub News Logo
Nub News

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)
advertisement

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.

advertisement

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."

advertisement

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.

     

CHECK OUT OUR Jobs Section HERE!
macclesfield vacancies updated hourly!
Click here to see more: macclesfield jobs

     

Join the 1% Less than one percent of our regular readers pay to support our work.

We send messages like this because, honestly, we need to.
We believe the kind of journalism we produce is important.
That’s why we rely on readers like you.

Please consider joining that 1% today.
Monthly supporters will enjoy:
Ad-free experience
advertisement

Share:


advertisement

48% OFF

Luxury wine gift bundle from J&Y Global
It’s wine o’clock somewhere! Enjoy a luxurious collection perfect for any special occasion. with a luxury wine gift bundle from J&Y Global
£129.99 £67.08

70% OFF

Kick back and defy gravity-comfort truly knows no bounds here! Zero Gravity Reclining Sun Lounger Chairs from Hirix International LTD
£199.99 £59.7

43% OFF

Outdoor 6-Seater Modular Rattan Corner Sofa Set with Coffee Table
Sofa good, you'll wish every seat at home was this comfy! - Modular Rattan Corner Sofa 6-Seater Set from Furniture One Limited
£699 £398.43

Sign-up for our FREE newsletter...

We want to provide macclesfield with more and more clickbait-free news.

     

...or become a Supporter.
Macclesfield. Your Town. Your News.

Local news is essential for our community — but it needs your support.
Your donation makes a real difference.
For monthly donators:
Ad-free experience