Comedian and actress Rosie Jones has thrown her support behind the Mirror's Christmas charity campaign, speaking candidly about the "isolation" disabled people face in a world not built for them. The campaign, in aid of the charity Lifelites, has now drawn to a close, having raised an incredible over £22,000 thanks to reader generosity.
"A World That Isn't Built For Us": The Struggle with Isolation
Rosie Jones, 35, who has cerebral palsy and is known for roles in Casualty and Call The Midwife, emphasised the profound impact of exclusion on mental health. "Disabled people disproportionately experience an increased risk of poor mental health which is largely influenced by higher rates of isolation in a world that isn't built for us," she stated.
She praised the work of Lifelites, which provides cutting-edge assistive and sensory technology to every children's hospice across the UK and Ireland. "The incredible work that Lifelites do prioritises inclusion and focuses on creating spaces for disabled and seriously ill children to have the access they deserve," Jones said.
Transforming Lives Through Technology
The Mirror's appeal, launched at the start of December, aimed to support Lifelites in bridging a critical gap. While the charity currently reaches 15,000 children and young people with life-limiting conditions, a staggering 85,000 still lack access to its life-changing technology.
The charity's toolkit empowers seriously ill and disabled children to play, create, and communicate. Key technologies include:
- The Magic Carpet: Projects interactive moving images onto floors.
- Soundbeam: Translates body movement into sound.
- Eyegaze: Tracks eye movement to control a computer.
- Cosmo Switches: Enable control of devices via simple touch for inclusive learning and play.
- Meta Quest 3 VR: Provides immersive virtual reality experiences.
Artist and Lifelites patron Sarah Ezekiel, who has motor neurone disease, testified to the technology's power. "For numerous disabled children and adults, the Eyegaze serves as their sole means of communication," she said, highlighting it as a fundamental human right.
Community Impact and Celebrity Support
The appeal also garnered support from EastEnders legend Anita Dobson, who said the technology "brings great joy to children and families." The campaign's success was hailed by Mirror Editor Caroline Waterston and Lifelites CEO Rob Lightfoot, who said the funds mean "thousands more seriously ill children will be able to play with their siblings, create art and music and even tell their mum they love them for the very first time."
The transformative effect of Lifelites tech is evident at organisations like Swings & Smiles in Thatcham, West Berkshire. The charity, which supports children with special needs and their families, received £25,000 worth of technology this summer.
"The Lifelites tech has transformed the experiences of the children and families we support," said CEO Rhonda Nicklin. She shared the story of 11-year-old Lewis, who is blind and whose love for music has been unlocked by the Soundbeam, allowing him to create melodies with his whole body.
As the appeal concludes, the call remains for the public to help "unwrap the magic of Christmas" for seriously ill children, ensuring more can access the vital technology that fosters connection, joy, and inclusion.
