Archie

At 12 years old, Archie’s life has been transformed thanks to WellChild’s Helping Hands programme and the dedication of volunteers from Propp and Firmitas. For Archie and his family, what was once an inaccessible garden is now a welcoming space where he can spend time with friends and create lasting memories.

For the team at Propp, this project was more than just an act of service—it was an opportunity to change lives. “It’s completely life-changing to have a garden like this,” Archie’s family shared. “The impact, not only on Archie but on all his friends too, is immeasurable. They’ve never been able to truly socialize because they’re all in wheelchairs, but now they can come together in the garden, and they all absolutely love it.”

“

We couldn’t believe it when you said you were coming. We feel so lucky, especially since it was right after lockdown, which was such a stressful time for us all.

Archie’s mum

Before

Before Helping Hands, Archie’s love for the outdoors was limited to a small two-meter square patch—the rest of the garden was completely inaccessible. Now, the entire garden is open to him, and he spends hours outside enjoying every corner of it. Whether relaxing in the hot tub, swinging in a hammock, or exploring his sensory zone set up in a tipi, Archie has found his sanctuary. “The garden is a lifesaver,” his mum said. “No matter how upset or worked up he gets, as soon as he’s outside, he calms down. It’s given us a space where we can both go to take a breath and recharge.”

After

To create this space, volunteers from Propp and Firmitas joined forces and tackled a garden that was previously unusable. They cleared away uneven grass and large steps to build a spacious deck with an essential ramp, making every part of the garden accessible. They added a balustrade fence to keep Archie safe while navigating the area in his walker or wheelchair. A soft bark area was laid down for a swing, and sensory solar lighting now illuminates the space, creating a magical atmosphere.
Archie enjoying his new garden

Thanks to the hard work of Propp and Firmitas, Archie now has a garden that brings him freedom and joy. This summer, Archie and his friends enjoyed their new outdoor haven, building memories together that were once out of reach.

For more inspiring stories like Archie's...

Meet more of the families we have supported through our Helping Hands programme.

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