In November P&G, the Proud Sponsor of Mums, launched the Champion Mums' Foundation: A campaign offering hardworking mums the chance to be awarded a bursary from a whopping £150,000 pot. The only stipulation was that the award had to be used towards making a positive difference to the winners' lives as mums, to their family or to the community. Here Gill McKinlay, a mum from Milngavie, Scotland, tells us what winning the prize meant to her...
'Although my son Neil, 19, has severe physical and learning disabilities, we try to maintain a normal family life. I've always tried to help him have as many opportunities for as active and interesting a life as his sisters, but in recent years this has become more difficult.
'As Neil has grown, his ability to walk has diminished and he now has trouble even standing. We've become very reliant on using a wheelchair, which is difficult to push and limits where we can go.
'It's quite frustrating as Neil loves being outdoors and exploring. Unfortunately, we don't have access to a power wheelchair so it's up to me, my husband or Neil's carers to push.
'Along with years of lifting and assisting, this has finally taken its toll on my back. Neil's general health is also affected by his lack of mobility. Poor circulation and muscle contractures are other problems he has had to learn to live with and can get worse over time with lack of exercise.
'I know it's not practical for Neil to go to a gym, but he does need to sustain his fitness levels and general health. When I saw the P&G Champion Mums' Foundation award scheme was offering mums the chance to win a bursary award to help their family or community, I felt compelled to write in, and I'm delighted I did.
'We have been given a brand new power pack for Neil's wheelchair, which makes light work of any kerbs, rough terrain or hills that stand in our way - a daily challenge in Milngavie, Scotland, where we live.
'We've also acquired a new exercise bike for disabled users. This has been a real success and perfect for Neil's needs.
'To top it off, we're going on a special holiday to Aviemore, a Scottish ski resort known for supporting disabled skiers and snowboarders. Neil skis at an indoor centre, which he loves, so this will be a real treat. Winning the award has given us, and my back, the support we need.'
Behind the prize
For the past 170 years, P&G has been making products to help make mums' lives that little bit easier, like Bold, Braun and Fairy Dishwasher Tablets. Now, as the Proud Sponsor of Mums, it's helping mums in other ways to say a big thank you for all the amazing things they do. Visit thankyoumum.pg.com to find out more.
