Two brothers from Plymouth are using 3D printers to make life-changing mobility aids for children living with disabilities.
Engineers Josh and Max Dixon are part of a global network of volunteers that makes toddler mobility trainers (TMTs) and gives them to families for no cost.
The BBC reported that the devices, which are like lightweight mini-wheelchairs, help children and their families get out and about.
Rachel, who also lives in Plymouth, told the BBC the mobility aid has had “a huge impact” on her four-year-old son Charlie, who has Lennox-Gastaut syndrome – a severe form of epilepsy that causes seizures.
Josh said 3D printing had been the brothers’ hobby before they found they could put it to good use and make something that would help children.
The brothers signed up to be makers on the TMT website, which matched them with families who felt they would benefit from the free mobility aid.
Rachel said Charlie can have up to 30 seizures a day, leaving him non-verbal, immobile and “about nine months old ability-wise”.
She said the TMT had enabled her to take Charlie to visit far more places as it was light and easy to manoeuvre.
She said: “It is great Charlie is having that attention rather than in his previous wheelchairs when it has been ‘oh what shame he can’t get out’.”
Josh and Max said it had been “fantastic” to help Charlie and encouraged other families who might benefit to sign up to the project.