A LOCAL MP has vowed to ‘break down the barriers’ for limb difference in Parliament and has thrown her weight behind a local scheme which supports people with similar issues.
Marie Tidball, MP for Penistone and Stocksbridge, is an ambassador for The LimbBo Foundation - a national charity, based in Barnsley, that supports children with a limb difference and their families.
Marie spoke to members of the foundation, and children with limb difference at its annual Christmas party recently.
The LimbBo Foundation was founded in 2018, following with birth of Tommy in 2014, by his parents Adam and Katie Dengel, grandmother Jane Hewitt, and family friend Paul Woodcock.
Tommy was born missing his right hand and part of his right forearm, and his family wanted to ensure other similar children and families did not feel isolated.
The charity hosts a range of events for children and their families at free parties and meet ups, allowing them to make new friends and build support systems.
They aim to create a joyous environment where their disability is celebrated, ensuring nobody feels they should hide their limb difference.
LimbBo also fundraises to supply adaptive devices such as bike adaptations, and resources including parent packs, school booklets and hospital packs, given to children and families free of charge.
Their most recent October ‘FUNraiser’, where children do what they love for sponsorship, raised an incredible £13,337.05.
Ms Tidball told the Chronicle that she will support those affected - and vowed to break down the barriers in Parliament.
She added: “It was a pleasure to be invited to the LimbBo Foundation’s Christmas party in Dodworth, in my constituency.
“We are so lucky to have such a wonderful charity on our doorstep based in Barnsley, who provide such wonderful support to children and their families.
“I want limb different children to grow up knowing they can fulfil their ambitions and potential, and it is always a joy to chat to the lovely children at LimbBo.
“I told the children and their families that I would work hard to break down barriers in Parliament for people with limb difference - from encouraging innovation in adaptive technology, to ensuring there’s better representation of limb difference on broadcast TV.
“Jane Hewitt is a force of nature, and I’m so proud to be one of the charity’s ambassadors.
“I’m very much hoping that Tommy and some of the other children and young people who are members come to visit me in Parliament soon.”
Jane Hewitt, one of the founders and trustees of LimbBo, added: “It was amazing to have Marie at our party.
“Just by being herself she showed our limb different children that they can be and do whatever they want to.
“Limb difference isn’t a barrier.
“So many children have said they can’t wait to visit her ‘where she works’.
“The fact that she’s local to where LimbBo is based is just an added bonus to us.
“She is so generous with her time and support and is there for us if we need to ask questions.
“For me personally I’m so proud of how she is advocating for our limb different children and making their future path just that little bit easier.”
