Island Equipment Finds New Purpose Supporting Children In Africa

The Isle of Wight Council’s Community Equipment Store has completed a major project to ensure paediatric equipment no longer in use on the Island can continue helping children overseas.

Much of the equipment, which had previously supported children and families on the Isle of Wight, had reached the end of its manufacturer-approved lifespan in the UK.

While it could no longer be used locally, the items were still in good condition and able to make a significant difference elsewhere.

Determined to prevent the equipment from going to waste, operational lead Danielle Marriott and colleague Hollie Griffiths worked to find an alternative use.

They partnered with Phoenix Resource Centre, a UK-based charity that services donated equipment before sending it to Djibouti in East Africa, where access to specialist healthcare equipment is limited.

The final challenge was transporting the large consignment from the Isle of Wight to the charity’s warehouse in Northamptonshire.

Ferry operator Red Funnel stepped in, providing a complimentary crossing to support the project.

Danielle Marriott said:

“This project was about more than moving equipment.

"It was about making sure resources that would otherwise go to waste could help children who have very little access to healthcare.

"Every item we sent will make a difference to a family in need.”

Phoenix Resource Centre thanked the team for their efforts, saying the donation would bring hope and support to families who would otherwise have little or no access to specialist equipment.

The charity also praised Red Funnel for helping make the delivery possible.

Red Funnel’s customer services manager, Sandra Whatley, said the company was pleased to support the initiative.

She added that projects like this not only reduce waste but also deliver vital help to communities thousands of miles away.