Erdington 18-year-old Aaron Ebanks has a degenerative condition which means he needs to use a wheelchair to get around, but without a portable hoist he is still restricted in where he can go. Having this simple piece of equipment would be life changing, enabling him to be as independent as possible, work, socialise and really live life to the full.
Now Newlife Foundation for Disabled Children is looking for ‘local heroes’ who can help us make this happen. We already have £642 towards this vital piece of equipment, which costs £1,925.
Aaron has Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, which will eventually affect all his muscles. He lives with parents Vicky and Wayne, 24-year-old twins Ryan and Channel and sixteen-year-old brother Jack, who has the same condition. Although there is ceiling track hoist at home for transfers in the bedroom and bathroom, without a portable hoist it means he needs to be lifted each time he transfers in and out of his wheelchair.
Mum Vicky said: “A portable hoist would give Aaron much more freedom. It would have a major impact on our lives. Going anywhere at all can be difficult as there are few facilities outside the home which have hoists and being lifted by people can make his condition worse.
“He plays on a football team for those with disabilities which represent West Bromwich Albion and he just loves playing, but transferring in the changing rooms is very difficult for him and this is just one thing which would be made much easier by having a portable hoist.
“He’s generally in pretty good spirits and has just passed his driving test so he can drive an adapted vehicle, so he just wants to be able to get out and about with friends, go to work and have the freedom and independence others his age enjoy.”
Aaron added: “Having a portable hoist would make my life so much better and it would let me go out without my mum and dad.”
At Newlife we need donors and fundraisers who want to really make a difference, helping us transform Aaron’s everyday life. To find out how you can support Aaron, go to www.newlifecharity.co.uk/westmidlands read his story and click the ‘Donate Now’ button. Alternatively, contact the Newlife County Liaison Team on 01543 431 444, email local@newlifecharity.co.uk.
Newlife guarantees that 100 per cent of monies donated or fundraised in the West Midlands will be used to specifically help children with disabilities and terminal illness in the county. Any money raised surplus to requirements for Aaron will be used to help other local children as Aaron is one of 93 families in the West Midlands with equipment needs of £49,926 currently working with the charity.
Pictured: Aaron Ebanks
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