Falkirk teenager Darren Anderson has Cerebral Palsy, which has resulted in him being unable to walk or talk, but like many 18-year-olds he wants to be able to get out and about easily and have fun. A power pack for his manual wheelchair would mean one carer could take him out into the community so he could still be included in different activities and it would make it much easier for him to attend college.
Darren lives at home with his mum Margaret Anderson and stepdad Ian Easton, but two carers have been helping him at home as he needs assistance with all his personal needs and activities of daily life, as he has no independent mobility. He needs to be hoisted for all transfers and has been using a manual wheelchair, but this is heavy and difficult to manoeuvre when just one person is pushing him.
As Darren is now 18 he has transitioned to adult services, so he will only have one carer to help take him out, but with a power pack for his wheelchair it would be much easier to push, so he would still have the freedom to leave his home and get out and about and enjoy himself.
The family approached Newlife the Charity for Disabled Children for help in funding the equipment and now the charity is looking for ‘local heroes’ who can help us make this happen. We already have £378 towards this vital piece of equipment, which costs £1,135.
Mum Margaret said: “Darren has to have a carer with him at all times as he has no awareness of danger, but it’s difficult for one carer to push him in the wheelchair on their own as it’s so heavy and difficult to push.
“Without the power pack Darren is really limited in what he can do, this would make a big difference. It would mean it is easier for him to be taken outside so he can do different things and not just be stuck at home all the time.”
We need donors and fundraisers who want to really make a difference, helping us transform Darren’s everyday life. To find out how you can support Darren, go to www.newlifecharity.co.uk/falkirk. 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 Falkirk will be used to specifically help children with disabilities and terminal illness in the county. Any money raised surplus to requirements for Darren will be used to help other local children as Darren is one of five children in the county with equipment needs of £10,453.
Pictured: Darren Anderson
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