Paralympic gold medallist, marathon runner and diversity and inclusion champion Richard Whitehead MBE has joined Nottingham Hospitals Charity in visiting patients at a new facility for young people with limb loss and wheelchair requirements.
Richard, who is taking on 20 marathons around the world throughout 2025, took time out of his busy schedule to meet young patients and staff at the new Mobility Centre Children’s Annexe, which is part of the NUH Mobility Centre at the City Hospital site.
The purpose-built and accessible new facility will treat patients from birth through to 18 years old who need prosthetic limbs and bespoke wheelchairs, as well as specialised assessment and therapy services.
It includes a number of clinical and assessment rooms, a room with child-friendly gym equipment, and a specially created outdoor training area, featuring cobbles, uneven ground, tarmac, concrete and sand, which gives patients the opportunity to test their new equipment over different surfaces.
During his visit, Richard, who was born and raised in Nottingham, distributed activities, toys, and games donated to Nottingham Hospitals Charity, to help ease the anxiety of young patients waiting for appointments. He also met with young fundraiser and Mobility Centre patient William Reckless, who Richard has also supported personally through the Richard Whitehead Foundation.
Eight-year-old William, who lost both legs and nine fingers to sepsis at the age of three, raised over £7,000 for Nottingham Hospitals Charity to thank staff at the hospital for their care.
Four years on from his surgery, William took on a fundraising challenge, walking two miles using his prosthetic legs, and cycling a further two miles on his hand cycle. This was a huge challenge for William, who had never walked such a long distance using his prosthetic legs.
Talking about William’s treatment at the new facility, mum Gemma Reckless said: “When we first
came to the Mobility Centre, William was very unsteady as you can imagine. He slowly had to build his strength up to be able to balance, whilst he adjusted to his new way of walking. He was
also very shy and obviously traumatised by what had happened to him, so for a long time he wouldn’t speak to any of the centre’s staff.
“Now, you can’t stop him! The staff have been absolutely fantastic and have supported William throughout his journey.”
Sam Cousens, Director of Fundraising and Communications at Nottingham Hospitals Charity, said: “We are absolutely delighted to welcome Richard Whitehead MBE to visit patients and staff at the new Mobility Centre Children’s Annexe. This facility will make a real difference to children and young people with limb loss and those using wheelchairs, and it’s fantastic to have the seal of approval from such a well-respected advocate for accessibility and inclusion.”
To find out more or donate to Nottingham Hospitals Charity, please visit www.nottinghamhospitalscharity.org.uk