Life-changing mobility equipment
Donation protected
My name is Richard Brown. I am 40 and live with my Wife, Helen, and our two kids Bella (7) and Billy (2) in a village in West Oxfordshire. I was diagnosed with a progressive nervous disorder, Friedreich's Ataxia in my teens and have used a wheelchair for 16 years. I worked in Local Authorities across Oxfordshire and the Midlands before retiring through ill-health in 2012 and moving back to Oxfordshire.
Since I retired, my life has all been about helping others. I am a Parent-Governor at the village school and became a Trustee of Ataxia UK, the national charity that represents others with a range of disabilities, of which mine is one. Following the withdrawal of Public Transport this February This year, I helped set up and run OurBus Bartons, the village’s new community transport company, taking about 500 passengers a month on journeys they would have struggled to make otherwise.
Just before Christmas, I tried an electric cycle attachment for my wheelchair. It was fantastic, and clear how it would improve my life. I would be able to go to meetings, visit friends and pick my daughter up from school in the village - but beyond that, I'd be able to take more of a part in family holidays and engage with the beautiful countryside I live in. The equipment is called the Batec Electric, and will fit to any chair with a bracket fitted. It goes up to 19mph! Unfortunately, this attachment alone will cost £5,000, with a bespoke wheelchair an additional £3000. I just cannot afford it. I posted a video showing my trial of the equipment and friends suggested I make an appeal.
I have raised funds for other causes before, but never for myself. My proudest fundraising achievements were in 2014 when I accomplished a tandem skydive and finished the Birmingham half marathon with a friend, dressed as Batman and Robin, and raised almost £3000 for Ataxia UK. I have seen and felt the empathy and warmth and generosity in other people.
At the end of December, I applied for a grant from the Barchester Foundation and my appeal was picked up by the Banbury Guardian[1].
I am not asking for you to give money to me through sympathy. I believe that you would be pleased to support someone who works very hard to support others.
Thanks for reading this.
Richard
[1] http://www.banburyguardian.co.uk/news/tables-turned-as-fundraiser-seeks-help-to-continue-giving-to-the-community-1-7760878
Since I retired, my life has all been about helping others. I am a Parent-Governor at the village school and became a Trustee of Ataxia UK, the national charity that represents others with a range of disabilities, of which mine is one. Following the withdrawal of Public Transport this February This year, I helped set up and run OurBus Bartons, the village’s new community transport company, taking about 500 passengers a month on journeys they would have struggled to make otherwise.
Just before Christmas, I tried an electric cycle attachment for my wheelchair. It was fantastic, and clear how it would improve my life. I would be able to go to meetings, visit friends and pick my daughter up from school in the village - but beyond that, I'd be able to take more of a part in family holidays and engage with the beautiful countryside I live in. The equipment is called the Batec Electric, and will fit to any chair with a bracket fitted. It goes up to 19mph! Unfortunately, this attachment alone will cost £5,000, with a bespoke wheelchair an additional £3000. I just cannot afford it. I posted a video showing my trial of the equipment and friends suggested I make an appeal.
I have raised funds for other causes before, but never for myself. My proudest fundraising achievements were in 2014 when I accomplished a tandem skydive and finished the Birmingham half marathon with a friend, dressed as Batman and Robin, and raised almost £3000 for Ataxia UK. I have seen and felt the empathy and warmth and generosity in other people.
At the end of December, I applied for a grant from the Barchester Foundation and my appeal was picked up by the Banbury Guardian[1].
I am not asking for you to give money to me through sympathy. I believe that you would be pleased to support someone who works very hard to support others.
Thanks for reading this.
Richard
[1] http://www.banburyguardian.co.uk/news/tables-turned-as-fundraiser-seeks-help-to-continue-giving-to-the-community-1-7760878
Organizer
Richard C Brown
Organizer
