Axis Foundation remodels Isabella's family garden

Cathy Weedon applied for Axis's grant to help disabled resident, Isabella, enjoy outdoor spaces

Axis Resident Liaison Manager, Cathy Weedon, applied to the Foundation for help on behalf of little Isabella, who was diagnosed with severe brain malformation when she was just three years old.

The Axis Foundation was delighted to support Cathy’s application to remodel the family garden so that Isabella can enjoy her outside space.

Isabella was born in November 2013. Her family noticed soon after that she never cried or expressed emotions. They were deeply concerned despite being reassured by doctors that she was just a ‘good baby’. 

After suffering what were then diagnosed to be seizures, and in obvious pain, Isabella was taken to Evelina Children’s Hospital for tests and urgent medical care.

She was diagnosed with a severe brain malformation called ‘subcortical band heteretopia’ which meant that she wouldn’t be able to progress beyond her baby years and her physical disabilities would be life-altering.

The family moved to a new home to accommodate caring for Isabella and started to make adaptations including levelling downstairs floors and the garden, adding a small extension and making all rooms wheelchair accessible. As Isabella grew and became heavier they moved to a bungalow, but Isabella still needed hoists, an adapted bath and bed, wider doorways, and a ramp up to the front door to list just a few adaptations. The garden space and driveway were tiered and unsuitable for manoeuvring Isabella’s wheelchair.

Local authority grants wouldn’t cover the entire costs and shortage of labour, and the coronavirus pandemic severe delays and rises in costs. Isabella’s Nanna even sold her own home to fund the work.

Their main wish was that Isabella can enjoy the garden. Cathy told us:

“Isabella loves to feel the wind blowing - it’s one of the things that make her smile the most. For her to simply enjoy the sunshine in a lovely, finished garden would be a miracle.”

Our donation

The Axis Foundation and supply chain partner City Plumbing Community Fund donated £6,550 to remodel Isabella’s family garden. Axis people in our Sittingbourne office will use their volunteering days to do the work.

Axis is dedicated to funding small, local and impactful causes that help improve lives for the underprivileged, disadvantaged and vulnerable; those with disability and those who just need a hand to realise their potential.

Here are some before and after pictures of Isabella’s garden: