Work colleagues aim to raise funds for new wheelchair

KIND colleagues at Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre are raising funds to buy a new wheelchair for a worker with cerebral palsy.

The Ricardian experts are looking to raise £3,500 to kit John Martin with a Quickie Neon 2 wheelchair, to replace his current 8-year-old vehicle.

The team said on its Just Giving page set up for the cause that the new chair would “not only allow him to get in and out of his car easier but will also make him more comfortable when at work”.

John also works at Coal- ville library and gives advice on disabled access, having used a wheelchair all his life and had 21 operations up to the age of 16.

Cerebral palsy is a condition that affects muscle control and movement, and is usually caused by a brain injury before, during or after birth.

Mark Wilkinson, engagement manager at the heritage centre, said: “The online total includes events we have been doing here, like baking cakes and selling them.

“People have brought in books, and we’re hoping to run a cinema night in the new year for staff and families, at the Century Theatre in Coalville.

“The idea is that all income generated will go towards the wheelchair.”

So far just the team has raised over £1,200 of the total, which is encouraging progree as they only started fundraising in November.

John is well liked by colleagues for his sense of humour, and has a Gold Duke Of Edinburgh’s Award and an NVQ 4 in Business Administration.

He has worked for Leicestershire County Council for 28 years.