Everyone at Sight Scotland is incredibly proud of Royal Blind School pupil Rocco Wood after he received the Forth Cash for Kids Award at the Forth Awards 2026.
Born three months premature at just 28 weeks, Rocco was later diagnosed with quadriplegic cerebral palsy and visual impairment. Throughout his life, he has shown incredible determination, while those around him have worked tirelessly to ensure he has every opportunity to thrive.
Over the years, Cash for Kids and Sight Scotland have helped fund specialist equipment that has transformed Rocco's life. This includes an adapted trike to help him build strength and maintain movement following double hip reconstruction surgery, an eye-gaze communication device, and an Innowalk, which supports his mobility and physical development.
While the technology itself has been life-changing, the specialist support Rocco receives at the Royal Blind School has played a huge role in helping him develop the confidence and skills to use it. As a residential pupil, Rocco receives personalised support from specialist teachers, therapists and residential staff who understand his unique needs. Since joining the school, he has flourished, growing in confidence, building friendships and enjoying new experiences.
“Over the years it really has been a collective effort. Great teamwork between the charities, the Royal Blind School, his family and friends. I'm just so thankful. Everyone involved in Rocco's life should take a bit of this award."
For his mum, Louise, the award reflects not only Rocco's journey but the collective effort behind it. She explains:
"Amazing, what a surprise. This award is inspirational. It's a reward for everything he has been through, but it also shows what is possible. He has come such a long way, and it is thanks to charities like Sight Scotland and Cash for Kids, which have given him so much help over the years and continue to do so.
“It was very emotional. Without the equipment funded by Cash for Kids and Sight Scotland, and the incredible support he has received from the Royal Blind School, Rocco would not have come as far as he has. Those opportunities have helped him find his voice, build his independence and become the fun-loving, cheeky chappy he is today.
“The specialist trike, which is more like a therapy bike, was so important after Rocco’s operation in helping to keep his hips moving. It cost more than £5,000, while the eye-gaze technology that has transformed his ability to communicate cost around £14,000. It has given Rocco a voice, allowing him to make choices and tell us what he wants instead of others making those decisions for him.
“With support from Sight Scotland, we also fundraised for an Innowalk, a specialist therapy device that costs tens of thousands of pounds. There is simply no way we could have afforded that equipment ourselves. Together, these pieces of equipment have transformed Rocco’s mobility, communication and independence, and show the incredible difference charities and fundraising can make. They have changed our lives.
“The Royal Blind School has also played such a huge role in Rocco's development, especially his communication. He has come so far since joining the school. He's happy, he's in a great routine and receiving top-quality education and care. The staff know him personally and understand exactly what he needs. He's gaining independence, socialising and enjoying life. Getting a place at the Royal Blind School was the best decision we ever made. I don't worry about Rocco during the week because I know he's in the best place, cared for and happy."
Louise adds:
“Over the years it really has been a collective effort. Great teamwork between the charities, the Royal Blind School, his family and friends. I'm just so thankful. Everyone involved in Rocco's life should take a bit of this award.
"Honestly, no words can describe how proud I am of Rocco and the support he continually receives. He is now thriving and living life to the full. It's incredible to see."
Congratulations, Rocco. Everyone at Sight Scotland is proud of you.
The Royal Blind School
The Royal Blind School is Scotland’s leading provider of specialist learning to children and young people with visual impairment, including those with additional complex needs.
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