It is with immense sadness and regret that we inform you that Queen Elizabeth’s Foundation for Disabled People (QEF) will commence a wind down programme from 11th November 2025.
This process is expected to take 28 days to allow time for alternative placements to be found for residential clients at our Care and Rehabilitation Centre, and to honour commitments to other clients to the best extent possible.
At the end of this period, QEF intends to file for administration.
We have worked tirelessly over the last year to try and save the charity, exploring numerous options to improve its finances, but unfortunately there wasn’t a viable solution that met all the necessary requirements to overcome the challenging financial situation QEF faced.
It has been our privilege to support disabled people for over 90 years, providing expert services that have changed many lives, and we are deeply saddened that it cannot continue.
Our priorities right now are to work with funding bodies to ensure clients find suitable alternative placements and to support our remarkable staff during this difficult time.
Like all five-year-olds, Jothi has an infectious grin, an inquisitive nature, and a playful, mischievous side. But unlike most children of his age, he also has cerebral palsy. Until he got his Bugzi, moving around without his mum, or a carer, was next to impossible. His mum, Kate, tells us:
“Bugzi gave Jothi something he can’t get in any other way – a way to explore his world and to experience new things and places. It also means he can play alongside his siblings and peers, and that’s very rare for children with complex needs. There’s nothing else like it and we’re so grateful. Thank you.”
The NHS has no available funding for wheelchairs for children under five. So it’s only because of your donations that Bugzis are available for children like Jothi.
Every Bugzi can be refurbished and adapted to support up to three disabled children in its lifetime, meaning a Bugzi is the gift that keeps on giving – day after day, year after year, child after child. Please donate below to help gift another child the joy of independence.
Contact us if you experience any problems with your donation or need help, please write to us at Leatherhead Court, Woodlands Road, Leatherhead, Surrey KT22 0BN.
Email appeals@qef.org.uk or contact a member of our team on 01372 841151.