Extracts:

Wheelchairs provide an invaluable means of support and mobility for many but a standard wheelchair seat may not always be suitable for people with serious disability, especially children. In 1980, Dr Steven Cousins and Professor Tom Lambert approached Action Medical Research with their concept for a revolutionary new posture support system. Their innovative work, supported with grants of more than £75,000 from the Charity, led to the development of the ‘Matrix’.

Fourteen-year-old Kate has congenital muscular dystrophy, an inherited muscle disorder.

"Two days after Kate got her Matrix we went to her school’s summer fete and she was just so happy,” recalls Jane [Kate’s mum]. “She was properly supported, her back didn’t hurt as much, she could breathe properly, hold her head and she felt she had more energy. It was instant joy for her. She had a huge smile on her face."