A local man has recently taken delivery of a specially designed transportation system to help him get around. Ben Parker, who lives between Brockton and Weston, has been raising money for a new van and scooter to enable him to get out and about. With the help of friends and family, Ben held a fundraising fete back in May, and in November his van arrived, fitted with a new boot hoist and adjusted system to accommodate Ben’s long legs – he’s 6 ft 7!
Speaking just after his vehicle arrived, Ben, who suffers from the rare genetic muscular disease Pompe, told WW!, “I can’t quite believe what an amazing journey I’ve been on. It’s been 18 months since I first thought about buying a scooter to help me get out more and keep my independence. It’s already given me and my wife Jen more freedom, and I have only had it for one week! We’ve been to the top of the Long Mynd, Attingham Park and over to Cannock Chase a couple of times, exploring parts I haven’t been round in a while.
“I’d like to say a big ‘thank you’ to all the local people who have supported me on my fundraising journey, especially Marg and Chris of Corve Barn Farm for the use of their field, and Claire Brewer and her boss Fran of Wheatland’s care home, and the Lady Forester Trust, for helping with grant applications.”
