Amy Beesley wins Stoke Mandeville Spinal Research Competition for her wheelchair design

Stoke Mandeville Spinal Research have announced their winner for the 'Design a Wheelchair with the WOW factor' competition.
Eight-year-old Amy Beesley, a pupil of St Marys C of E School, Fairford LeysEight-year-old Amy Beesley, a pupil of St Marys C of E School, Fairford Leys
Eight-year-old Amy Beesley, a pupil of St Marys C of E School, Fairford Leys

Eight-year-old Amy Beesley, a pupil of St Mary’s C of E School, Fairford Leys, stole judges’ hearts with her NHS-inspired Design a Wheelchair with the WOW Factor competition creation, organised by Stoke Mandeville Spinal Research (SMSR),

She scooped the Primary School category winner.

The competition, open to both Primary and Secondary school pupils, saw a variety of entries from young children across Buckinghamshire, including submissions from Wingrave Primary, William Harding, St Mary’s C of E and Cuddington & Dinton Primary Schools.

Commenting on her winning wheelchair design, Amy said: "My inspiration for my design was the NHS. I have designed all the pictures on my wheelchair myself and included a brake, handles, arm rest and paper mache wheels. I hope you like it!"

SMSR’s Charlotte Minoprio commented: “We simply fell in love with this design and the effort that had clearly gone into it. On behalf of everyone involved with Stoke Mandeville Spinal Research, I would like to say a big thank you to all those children who entered the competition and their schools. There were some incredible entries which truly showed off what amazing young talent there is out there.

"A big thank you also to George David Estate Agents, for kindly sponsoring our competition prizes and helping with the difficult task of judging!”

The two competition winners from the Primary and Secondary school categories receive a £50 voucher for WHSmith. In addition, each winner’s school will be offered a free interactive disability awareness assembly with an SMSR Ambassador.

All competition entries are now available to view via the Charity’s Facebook page @lifeafterpara. To find out more about the work of Stoke Mandeville Spinal Research, please visit

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