Words by Smiley Team
A wheelchair user has been blown away by the kindness of strangers, after they raised enough money for him to buy a new chair.
Robert West is a 35-year-old teaching assistant from Huntingdonshire, near Cambridge, and was in need of replacing his wheelchair of seven years.
Through the Government’s Access To Work scheme he received about £8,000 towards the new chair – which costs £11,403.75 – but had to source the rest of the money himself.
He decided the only way he could fund the remaining £3,000 was to launch a crowdfunding campaign – even though he felt uncomfortable doing so.
Mr West, who has cerebral palsy, tells Smiley News: “£3000 is an awful lot of money, just for the right to 'walk' to work. I was in two minds as to whether to set up the campaign, and was very worried it would be seen as begging.”
(Read more about the stair-climbing wheelchair)
However, writing on his crowdfunding page, he wrote: “I am in desperate need of a new wheelchair, unfortunately the cost of which is currently beyond my means. The use of a wheelchair is vital in keeping me in employment, as well as allowing me to do the basics in life, such as shopping, walking the dog and socialising.”
Within a day, enough people had donated to ensure his target had been met.
One person wrote: “I hope you feel supported in the struggle you should not have just to be mobile.”
Another said: “I donated because my daughter is a wheelchair user too. Enjoy your new wheels Robert.”
Mr West says: “In my head, I thought it would be absolutely phenomenal if we could raise a few hundred pounds. I never imagined so many people would be so generous. I’m a complete stranger, but their generosity has been incredibly heartwarming. Not just to me, but to my family as well. It’s been an emotional couple of days.”
(Read more about this nine-year-old who did 22,000 steps in a wheelchair)
Among the features on the wheelchair are a seat riser, which enables him to reach things he would otherwise need help with, and a reclining backrest, which allows him to stay in the chair for longer periods without becoming uncomfortable.
As well as being essential for work, the chair allows him to go shopping, walk his border terrier Hamish and socialise without needing assistance.
He told the PA news agency: “It’s an amazing display of humanity. I was happy with people just sharing my link. But for people to part with their hard-earned money? Incredible.
“I never imagined it would be this successful this quick, it’s staggering.”
You can still donate to Robert’s fundraiser on GoFundMe.
