The Ascot Group is delighted to have donated to The Monkey Tree Charity, a Bristol-based charity that provides free wheelchair loans to children and young adults with terminal or life-limiting illnesses receiving treatment at the Bristol Royal Infirmary, Bristol Children’s Hospital and the Teenage Cancer Trust Unit. Our donation covers the full cost of one wheelchair.
A few weeks ago, members of The Ascot Group attended the Mayor’s Charity Ball in Weston-super-Mare. The Monkey Tree was one of the charities supported by the event, and the founder, Sarah, took to the stage to tell her story.
Sarah started The Monkey Tree in memory of her daughter Evie, who was 16 years old and had just started college when she was diagnosed with Rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare and aggressive cancer.
During her time at the Bristol Royal Infirmary, Evie needed a wheelchair to maintain her independence, but the hospital didn’t have one available. Her family had to buy their own, and they did, ensuring Evie retained her independence.
Sadly, Evie passed away, and Sarah founded The Monkey Tree in her memory, so that no young person who needs a chair would go without.
What The Charity Does
Now, The Monkey Tree provides age-appropriate wheelchairs, free of charge on loan, to children and young adults with life-limiting illnesses being treated at the Bristol Royal Infirmary, Bristol Children’s Hospital, or the Teenage Cancer Trust Unit.
Families are referred to the charity and can request a wheelchair. The longer-term ambition is to extend the service further, with plans to offer meal vouchers to patients and their families.
We are delighted to support The Monkey Tree, and if you would like to find out more about them, make a donation, or get involved in fundraising, check out their website at www.themonkeytreecharity.co.uk/
“Hearing Sarah speak at the Mayor’s Charity Ball was so moving. What she has built in Evie’s memory makes a real difference to families going through the hardest time. We’re proud to support The Monkey Tree and would encourage anyone who can to do the same.” Andrew Scott, Founder and CEO, The Ascot Group
