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, part of the NUH Mobility Centre at the City Hospital site.
The purpose-built and accessible facility will treat patients from birth to 18 years old who require prosthetic limbs, bespoke wheelchairs, and specialised assessment and therapy services.
It includes several clinical and assessment rooms, a child-friendly gym, and a specially designed outdoor training area. This outdoor space features cobbles, uneven ground, tarmac, concrete, and sand, allowing patients to test their new equipment on various 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, whom Richard has supported personally through the Richard Whitehead Foundation.
Eight-year-old William lost both legs and nine fingers to sepsis at the age of three. To thank the hospital staff for their care, he raised over £7,000 for Nottingham Hospitals Charity. Four years after 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 significant achievement for William, who had never walked such a long distance using his prosthetics.
Speaking about William’s treatment at the new facility, his mother, 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 to balance while adjusting to his new way of walking. He was also very shy and traumatised by what had happened to him, so for a long time, he wouldn’t speak to any of the staff.
“Now, you can’t stop him! The staff have been absolutely fantastic and have supported William throughout his journey. He’s really chatty when he attends the centre, and he’s soon going to be fitted with processor knees, which means his prosthetic legs will bend when he sits down, rather than staying straight out in front of him.
“It’s another milestone reached, and I couldn’t be prouder of how he has – and is – coping with his disability. We’re really looking forward to using this new facility, which has been designed specifically for children and young adults.”
Richard said:
“It was fantastic to visit the new Mobility Centre Children’s Annexe, a unique facility at Nottingham City Hospital designed for children and young people who use prosthetics and bespoke wheelchairs. It’s so important that young people have a safe space for them and their families to come to, helping to provide children and young people with mobility difficulties a better foundation in life.
“It was extra special to look around the centre with William and his family, who is just starting his journey of using prosthetics to walk, move, and be involved in sport, enabling him to be more physically and mentally active.”
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.
“At Nottingham Hospitals Charity, we are committed to supporting patients and families across Nottingham’s hospitals by providing the added extras that will have a positive impact on them during their time here. It’s thanks to our donors and fundraisers, like the amazing young William Reckless, that we are able to continue to do this.”
To find out more or donate to Nottingham Hospitals Charity, please visit www.nottinghamhospitalscharity.org.uk.
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