HIGHTECH MOBILITY DEVICE IS UP AND RUNNING AFTER BIG COMMUNITY FUNDING BOOST

A young tenant at a South Devon apartment block for people with learning difficulties can now extend his independence even further than he dreamed possible when he first moved into his ground-floor ‘independent living’ home.

And it’s all thanks to his fantastic local community in Dartington, who rallied round with moral support and financial backing.

Able Sharp enthusiastically embraced his new independent life when he moved into his purpose-built apartment at Elmhirst Court, Brimhay, provided by South Devon Rural Housing Association (SDR).

Early this year, he launched a fund-raising campaign to buy a high tech mobility aid like a ‘segway’ personal transporter. This would help him get around in the upright position, with many advantages over a conventional wheelchair or mobility scooter.

Pledges

SDR helped to launch the appeal fund with a £1,000 donation, quickly followed by a series of pledges to Able’s online GoFundMe page. In a few short months, thanks to the generosity of a huge number of donors, Able’s £20,000 target was reached and he took delivery of the American-made TekRMD machine from Anatomical Concepts Ltd. in Scotland.

A few weeks later Able, 25, was zooming around the locality and going shopping with the help of his new stand-up device.

His mother, Alex, has expressed her heartfelt thanks to the local community for their response to Able’s appeal. She’s made a video* showing him out and about on his TekRMD, among some of the local people and places he enjoys as part of his daily life.

The film captures the improved posture and mobility that the machine offers, but also the sheer zest for life Able has always shown since surviving a critical illness as a toddler.

Delighted

Alex was surprised and delighted when the fund reached its target after just a few weeks. She said:

“Just a few months ago we shared Able's story. Now here he is, absolutely thrilled to be out and about every day powering around Dartington and Totnes with this new life-changing mobility kit!

“I can't believe how soon and with such good heart we reached our target. Thanks to our wonderful local community, Able is experiencing all the long-term essential health benefits of bearing his own weight and standing upright on his own two feet. We'll carry the spirit of this human kindness in our hearts for the rest of our lives”.

Benefit

SDR Chief Executive Christine Candlish said:

“Able is a great example of the kind of person we had in mind when we first conceived the idea of Elmhirst Court. He’s shown how much someone with learning difficulties and other issues can benefit from getting a taste of independent living, whilst remaining in the community where they have love and support.

“We’re delighted to play our part in helping Able attain his next step towards greater mobility and independence through this cutting-edge piece of kit. He’s a great ambassador for the disabled community and an example to us all in overcoming adversity and living life to the full”.

*  The video can be viewed below

Captions:

• Able can do his own shopping in the local supermarket.
• Able and Leanne can enjoy an eye-level hug.
• Cooking in the kitchen at his specially adapted Dartington apartment.