A disabled Tadley resident has been handed a new lease of life following a generous donation.
Paul Button was given a much-welcomed Christmas present in the form a brand new motorised wheel chair.
For 28-year-old Paul, who suffers from Downs Syndrome and is nearly blind, having the new wheelchair has given him a new sense of freedom.
Before taking delivery of his new wheels, Paul was dependent on others to push him around.
Delighted mum, Sue Button, said: “Paul is so happy with his new wheelchair. We would like to thank everyone who helped.
“It is a wonderful gift because it will give him mobility and choice, two things it is easy to take for granted.”
The £13,000, custom built SmartChair was brought with donations from the Bruce Wake Charitable Trust, Herbert and Peter Blagrave Trust and the Dischma Charitable Trust.
The Herbert and Peter Blagrave Charitable Trust was set up to provide funds for organisations helping disabled children.
And since mastering the chair’s controls, Paul’s careers said they have seen a massive boost in his sense of achievement and self-esteem.
Paul, originally from Peckham in South London, moved to SeeAbility’s Fir Tree Lodge centre in Heather Drive, Tadley, four-and-a-half years ago.
The centre is a specialist residential care service for young adults with a visual impairment and multiple disabilities.
It houses highly trained staff who individually care for each resident.
David Light, Paul’s specialist rehabilitation practitioner, said: “Having some control over his mobility has given Paul a new interest in being active.
“It has taught him new skills and allowed him to explore his ability to manoeuvre the wheelchair.”
SeeAbility is the operating name for The Royal School for the Blind, a national charity which has for over 200 years provided support for people who are blind or partially sighted.
Fir Tree Lodge was launched in May 2006 by the charities patron, The Duchess of Gloucester. It currently cares for six youngsters.
