Wheelchair fund for Rhydyclafdy boy gathering pace

Jun 4 2009 Caernarfon and Denbigh Herald

A CAMPAIGN to help a little boy battling a rare condition get a wheelchair is gathering pace.

Earlier this year, three-year-old Lewis Walker from Rhydyclafdy, who suffers from cerebral palsy, was told he would have to wait up to two years for an NHS wheelchair.

After reading about little Lewis’ plight, the Mayor of Pwllheli Evan John Hughes opened up a fund in his name.

The appeal has now grown to £3,674 – more than halfway towards the fund’s end target of £5,000.

Cllr John Hughes said more organisations had pledged to donate money to the fund.

“There was considerable activity in the first weeks after the appeal was launched.

“I’ve tried my best to keep the appeal alive through the town council and the local community.

“It’s still early days. It’s only been two months and I haven’t yet received money for some of the pledges so I’m confident we will reach our target eventually.”

One of the first organisations to donate was the Pwllheli Rotary Club which kick started the campaign with a £250 donation.

Young riders at the North Wales Equestrian near Pwllheli also raised £1,800 through a special open day in April.

Riding instructor Julie Wilson said: “I knew Claire (Lewis Walker’s mother) because one of her daughters comes here for lessons and she’s brought Lewis with her a couple of times as well.

“A lot of people came along to the event and we had mountains of money coming in.

“We were bowled over with their generosity and I cannot praise the students enough.

“I was absolutely stunned when we found out, it made me and Claire cry.

“It was very emotional seeing the amount of money the children brought to us.

“It’s definitely been one of the best things I’ve done here.”

“I’d like to thank all the local companies who donated the prizes for the show.”

dion.jones