Love Hope & Faith Charity unveils Northern Ireland’s first Quadrix all-terrain mobility wheelchair

A County Antrim charity supporting children with Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus has unveiled a groundbreaking all-terrain mobility wheelchair — the first of its kind in Northern Ireland.

Love Hope & Faith has announced the arrival of the Quadrix Watts E3, a specialist mobility innovation designed to offer greater freedom and accessibility for children and families living with lifelong conditions.

Thanks to £20,000 in funding from The National Lottery Community Fund Northern Ireland, the charity has been able to introduce this advanced piece of equipment, already transforming lives within the local community.

Trying out the Quadrix at the Ecos Nature Park, Ballymena!

The Quadrix Watts E3 features in-wheel suspension technology, engineered to reduce neck and back pain, fatigue, and discomfort while travelling across cobbled streets, uneven ground, or off-road terrain such as forest trails.

Darren McGinty, Chairperson of Love Hope & Faith, said:

“Thanks to the incredible support of The National Lottery Community Fund Northern Ireland, we’ve been able to give our community the chance to experience the freedom and joy of this amazing all-terrain electric wheelchair.

“This project celebrates what matters most — inclusion, diversity, and independence for everyone.”

The charity’s mission is to support children with Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus, helping them “thrive today and in the future.”

Spina Bifida is a birth defect where the spine fails to close properly, while Hydrocephalus causes a dangerous build-up of fluid in the brain. The conditions often occur together, requiring lifelong care and support.

Community Support Through Power NI

(L-R) is Love Hope & Faith Chairperson Darren McGinty, and Power NI employees Michelle Kelly and Natalie McCrory.

Love Hope & Faith has also received a £300 donation through Power NI’s Helping Hands initiative, nominated by Power NI employee Michelle Kelly.

Michelle was inspired to nominate the charity after learning about its work from her cousin, whose young son was born with both conditions.

“The team at Love Hope & Faith gifted my cousin a Zipzac baby mobility aid which was imported from America at a whopping cost of £1,500 and presented it to Jack when he was a baby,” Michelle explained.

“This equipment has given Jack so much freedom; it allows him to explore, whiz around and play with other children. This little boy will grow up to be a sporting athlete; he has just turned two and can manoeuvre his chair like a pro!

“This funding from Power NI will be a fantastic boost for the charity to help other children, young people, and adults who are impacted.”

Charity chairman, Darren added:

“Love Hope & Faith extends its sincere gratitude to Power NI for their incredibly generous funding. This vital support will significantly enhance our ability to deliver both professional and efficient services to children and families living with Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus throughout Northern Ireland.”

Future Plans for a Family Retreat

Looking ahead, Love Hope & Faith plans to establish a retreat centre in Northern Ireland to provide respite and rehabilitation facilities for families.

If sufficient funding is secured, the retreat will include hydrotherapy and sensory facilities, offering a home-from-home environment where families can spend quality time together.

To find out more or support the charity’s ongoing work, visit lovehopeandfaith.co.uk or follow Love Hope & Faith on Facebook.