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EARLY CHRISTMAS PRESENT FOR HARRISON

Droitwich teenager Harrison Morris has been given an early Christmas present – thanks in part to the fabulous fundraising efforts of Midlands Co-operative colleagues in Worcestershire.

Harrison, aged 13, has the degenerative condition Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy which causes progressive muscle weakness. He retains some independent mobility but tires easily and relies on a wheelchair to get around at school and outside the home.

The Droitwich High School pupil needed a hi-tech sit-to-stand wheelchair which will give him greater independence and enable him to join in more activities – like science and technology – at the same height as his schoolfriends. Regular opportunities to stand will also help alleviate health issues like spinal deformity, digestion and organ function.

The cost of the specialist equipment – £18,024 – prompted his parents to turn to Newlife Foundation for Disabled Children for help.

Newlife – the leading national children’s disability charity – is currently supported by a partnership with Midlands Co-operative Society. Since the charity partnership was launched in May 2012, £307,563 has been raised through a range of fundraising activities and so far 158 children in the Society’s retail area have been provided with vital equipment like wheelchairs and walkers for mobility, specialist beds to keep them safe at night and communication aids to give them a voice.

Midlands Co-operative Society has donated £17,624 towards the cost of the wheelchair, with the remaining £400 coming from Droitwich Lions Club.

Mum Hannah Morris said: “It took Harrison a few days to get used to the new wheelchair – but he loves it. It helps support him when he is in school, allowing him to access every part of the campus. It has more power than his previous wheelchair and a longer battery life – many a time I’ve had to collect him and wheel him back home because he had run out of power.

“This will offer Harrison a greater degree of independence, which is important to someone of his age. Not only that, but it has a range of recline positions so he can rest in it if he feels particularly tired. It will be a huge help to Harrison over the coming years.”

Newlife Foundation is based in Staffordshire and recently hit the £10million landmark for funding of vital equipment for disabled and terminally ill children around the UK. For further information about all of the charity’s services, call the Newlife Nurse Helpline on freephone 0800 902 0095. Pictured: Harrison Morris

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