A 23 year old budding DJ is fund raising for a revolutionary wheelchair that will help him stand up and “walk round” for the first time in his life.
William Storey cannot wait to be upright behind his decks thanks to the £29,000 hi-tech chair that will turn his world around.
The chair works by mobilising him to the standing position. It can then move around while he is upright, giving him vastly improved independence.
William, who is doing work experience at local radio station KLFM, alongside a business college course, said: “You really don’t know how much more independent I would be. Lots to explore.
“The chair will mean I can stand up when ever I want or need to. Can you imagine it, this would be brilliant.
“For the last two years I have been working on standing up with a machine but I can only do this with help of other people,” said William who has cerebal palsy.
“This chair would mean I wouldn’t need any help.”
His mum Kay said that when he stands for the first time it will be a deeply emotional experience.
“I know I will cry, it is such a big thing,” she said.
“He was born at 26 weeks weighing just 1lb 11.5oz. He has always been determined. I can’t wait to see him in this new chair.
“We know it is a lot to fund raise for, but we are really working hard to help him achieve his dream, no matter how long it takes.”
The chair will give him back his dignity in public toilets where currently a carer has to lay him on the floor, she added, as the chair can lay flat when required then move up and down like a changing bench.
William, of Doddington, added: “This really does mean such a lot for me. Plus I wouldn’t get any more sore’s from sitting down all the time.”
The wheelchair is a Permobile F5 Corpus VS and costs £24,000 but with VAT is closer to the £30,000 price tag.
Already a Go Fund Me page called Wills Wheels has raised nearly £1,200 plus a £400 donation from Doddington Slimming World club members.
• Up coming events include a country and western dance with Cardy and Coke duo on Saturday April 14. Tickets cost £10. Also a bingo night at Manea on June 15. To buy tickets or offer help or fund raising ideas email kaystorey@aol.com.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here