Tradies, suppliers lend Jamie a helping hand
Trades people and suppliers are hoping to make life easier for Pleasant Point man Jamie Wilson almost a year after botched shoulder surgery left him partially paralysed.
And the father-of-three, is stoked with the generosity of the community.
‘‘It was just mind-blowing,’’ Wilson said.
This Saturday, local trades people will volunteer their time to install a new ceiling in the living area of Wilson’s home.
They will also paint the walls - with all supplies donated by local building companies.
Wilson said he was relieved to have something ‘‘nice’’ to focus on, after back and forth visits to Burwood Hospital in Christchurch and a painful rehabilitation. It was good to know there were were good people out there, he said.
Wilson had surgery in May to replace a spinal cord stimulator which had shifted under his skin.
That was when hospital staff inserted a larger device, accidently hitting a spinal cord nerve and inducing partial paralysis, he said.
As a result, he has developed Brown-Sequard Syndrome in which the right side of his body convulses and is partially paralysed.
Most sensations on the left side of his body are diminished and numb, he said.
Wilson relied on his cane when he was at home and a wheelchair when he was out.
His wife Cherie, and carers, helped him shower and get dressed, he said.
Life has ‘‘totally changed’’ for Wilson, but he was grateful for the support and generosity.
‘‘You have good days, and bad days, but more bad days.’’
The project was organised by trades company Todd Mudie Group, which had sourced supplies from Resene, Stephen Brown Building, Placemakers, GIB, and PinkFit, as well as labour by Henderson Building.
Todd Mudie group development manager Corey Cockburn said staff wanted to help Wilson out because the company liked to give back to the community.
‘‘We have been humbled by our suppliers, builders and everyone else who have jumped on board.’’