Kieron finds recipe for an easier life

His parents, Sharon and Andrew, witness his frustration with the situation on a daily basis as they support him in all aspects of his life.

They are always on the look-out for new devices or gadgets that could help the 11-year-old live a more independent and full life.

So when they received an invitation to take part in an innovative module run by the University of Sheffield’s engineering department, they jumped at the chance.

“The Making Kieron’s Life Easier” project asked 140 students from across the department, working in groups, to design something which would enhance and help him in everyday life.

The winning design was from a group of 10 aerospace engineering students who went by the name of Cooking for All. Their design of an Easy Mix bowl – made up of a mixing bowl with a sealed lid through which a spoon, knife or other implement can be fitted – was picked out by a judging panel which included Sharon and Andrew, along with industry experts, entrepreneurial alumni, business people and Kieron’s teacher.

Marks were given for both the difference it could make to Kieron’s life and the commercial viability of the product.

“It was really hard to choose a winner out of a host of very impressive designs – the standard has been really high,” said Andrew.

“I really think every single one of the students’ ideas could be turned into a reality to help people with all sorts of disabilities, whether that’s cerebral palsy or severe arthritis. We’re really grateful to the students for all they’ve done.”

Sharon, from Worksop, said the Easy Mix device had her vote because she knows how keen Kieron is to help her in the kitchen.

“Kieron loves cooking and helps me a lot but I always have to do things like mixing for him,” she said.

“With this special bowl, he will be able to do that himself, and it also means he’ll be able to take part in cooking classes with other children at school.”

She said the competition had given Kieron a real boost – from meeting the students to answer their questions, through to finding out more about the products as they were developed, to discovering how they might be able to help him live a more independent life.

“He is at an age now where he is becoming increasingly frustrated; he really wants to do things for himself. He’s a bright lad and he wants to be independent. That’s why this has all been so good for him – it’s helping him to achieve that independence and giving him more confidence.”

Davind Seesurn, a final-year student from the winning team, said: “When we first met Kieron he expressed an interest in being able to help his mum with the cooking.

“We thought it was unfair that just because his condition means he could spasm at any time, causing things to spill, it meant he wasn’t able to take part. Now we’re delighted to have created something that should help with this, and, of course, very happy to be picked as the winners.

“But the aim really wasn’t about winning – it was about making Kieron’s life easier and, as engineers, we provided a solution to a problem, which is a nice feeling. “

Competition organiser Elena Rodriguez-Falcon, senior lecturer at the Department of Mechanical Engineering, said: “The students have put so much time and effort into the task and genuinely really wanted to help. Kieron’s a little star and I’m so happy we’ve been able to help him.”

It is the second time University of Sheffield students have helped Kieron. In 2007, they helped him achieve his dream to write by designing “the scribble”, a unique writing aid to help sufferers of neuromuscular disabilities or people with severe arthritis.

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