I'm running my first ever Marathon in Brighton on Sunday 9th April, and I'm hoping to raise money to help Mike Wood to replace his worn out wheelchair. Mike lives in the same village as me, and after doing some work for him last year, I was so amazed with his attitude to life, his sense of humour and his bright intelligent mind. We moan about a common cold, this man can't move from the neck down, and he doesn't moan - to me and his family he's a legend. This is his story -
Mike is paralysed from the neck down due to Progressive MS. He drives an electric wheelchair with his chin. His condition has deteriorated but his will to live as full a life as possible never falters. Mike has a specialist adapted chair which includes programmes to enable him to change position, unlock the door, answer the telephone and call for help.
Mikes current chair is worn out and his needs have changed. The chair no longer gives him the support he needs to remain safe and as comfy as possible.
The Wheelchair Department cannot provide for Mike's needs, therefore we have to raise the money independently.
Our wheelchair specialist at Country Lifestyles has come up with the ideal prescription, we just need to raise some money.
Mike is fighting this condition (The Beast) and wants to lead his life in the best way he can.
Mike is a true inspiration to us all and we want to do our best to help him to have a good quality of life. We are also fundraising for on going maintenance for this new chair once it arrives as batteries etc are in the region on £150 per battery and we are also looking to get a mobile phone fitted to the chair so if for any reason there is an emergency a mobile will kick start into calling a list of contacts automatically to give a distress call. Any help would be very much appreciated.