Posted December 2025.
WMG Academy Student Transforms Lives with Life-Changing Invention.
What started as a simple idea inspired by one little boy has grown into an extraordinary journey of innovation and compassion. Last year, one of our students, Grace Palmer at WMG Academy Solihull saw the challenges her cousin Dylan, who has cerebral palsy, faced when accessing essential equipment to help him transfer safely or sit independently. Determined to make a difference, she took her curiosity and creativity into engineering, designing a solution that could help not just her family, but others in need. Her determination and empathy have since led her to national recognition, demonstrating the incredible impact young people can have when they combine innovation with heart.
“It all started with one idea at the end of last year, inspired by one little boy: my cousin Dylan, who has cerebral palsy.
I saw the challenges Dylan and my family were facing when trying to find equipment to help him transfer, be carried safely, or sit independently at a table. The equipment we needed would have cost around £750. Something our family, like many others, simply could not afford. So, I decided to make my own. That’s what started my journey with the Thrive Transfer Aid. I wanted something not just for my family, but for other families who need it, because everyone should have access to essential equipment regardless of income. In the end, I created a multifunctional product that cost just £85, which I am hoping to mass-produce for other families in need.
I joined WMG Academy Solihull almost 4 years ago with very little confidence, but with one spark inspired by Dylan that pushed me toward engineering to help people. I have changed a lot since year 10, and my confidence has grown significantly. I have gained many skills that are incredibly useful for my future career as an engineer.
On Monday I had the incredible honour of delivering a speech on behalf of Big Bang in Parliament. After winning the Senior Engineering Award back in June at the Big Bang competition, I was invited to talk about my project, The Thrive Transfer Aid, why I created it, and what I’ve learned along the way.
It was a very rewarding event where I got to see the most amazing and historic building of Parliament. I then set up my display with information about my project and began to talk to different ministers and MPs. I also spoke to many different companies and T-Level advocators. Completing my speech, I spoke about the main lesson I have learnt about engineering which is this.
Engineering often begins with empathy; when we understand people’s challenges, we can create products that truly change lives.” – Grace Palmer, Year 12 Student WMG Academy Solihull
We are immensely proud of Grace for representing WMG Academy Solihull on a national stage and for demonstrating the power of empathy driven engineering. Her achievements highlight the spirit of creativity, determination, and social responsibility that we strive to nurture in every student, and we look forward to seeing the many ways she will continue to make a positive impact in the world.