24-07-2025
Charity helps Buckley family to buy wheelchair powerpack
Seventeen-year-old Iwan Hughes, from Buckley, lives with Dravet Syndrome, a rare neurological condition that causes frequent and prolonged seizures.
He also experiences mobility challenges, intellectual disability, autism, ADHD, and difficulties with speech, eating, and sleep.
As a result, Iwan is unable to walk unaided after a seizure and relies on a wheelchair.
The powerpack is attached to Iwan's wheelchair (Image: Supplied)
Thanks to a powerpack device funded by Chester-based charity Children Today Charitable Trust, his family say life has become easier and more mobile.
Heather Hughes, Iwan's mother, said: "Iwan can have several seizures a week, which leave him absolutely exhausted afterwards.
"He's not able to walk at all after having one, so his wheelchair is essential.
"Iwan has a new NHS wheelchair, which is brilliant, but it's so heavy.
"Pushing it uphill or over rough ground was almost impossible.
"Since getting the powerpack, we can actually enjoy those visits again without the stress or strain.
"It really has transformed what we can do as a family."
The powerpack is a small motorised unit that attaches to a manual wheelchair and can be activated via a push-button control.
It helps users and carers navigate inclines and rough terrain without the need for a fully electric wheelchair.
The family are now looking forward to trips they once found challenging.
Iwan's family are now able to take him on trips they once found challenging (Image: Supplied)
Ms Hughes said: "We're also heading to a festival in Dorset later this year, and we have an annual trip to Center Parcs to meet up with other families affected by Dravet Syndrome.
"Before, we weren't sure how we'd manage, but now we have the powerpack, we can go with confidence.
"We're so grateful to Children Today.
"It might seem like a small piece of equipment, but it's made a massive difference to our lives."
The charity says Iwan's story is a reminder of the impact that small pieces of equipment can have.
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Emma Prescott, charity director at Children Today, said: "Stories like Iwan's are exactly why we do what we do.
"These pieces of equipment are genuinely life-changing, not just for the young person, but for the whole family.
"We're proud to have played a part in helping Iwan reclaim his independence and enjoy more of the things he loves."
