Mr Hooley Gets a New Set of Wheels

Published by Rob1 for Community Gateway Association in Housing and also in Central Government, Communities, Health

Mr Hooley is a tenant living in one of Community Gateway Association’s (CGA) sheltered schemes.

After suffering a stroke of the spine, Mr Hooley requires the use of a wheelchair, but over the years his chair has become unfit for purpose, As a result he suffered from pressure sores which are incredibly painful.

In these circumstances he was limited on how far he could travel in his chair and his quality of life suffered.

Needing a considerable amount of care, Mr Hooley has to fund this from his welfare benefits and therefore was unable to afford a new wheelchair. From the enquiries he made to the NHS, he was told it could take several years to get the type of chair he needed.

With the support of his CGA Scheme Manager Lynne Dyson, it was established Mr Hooley served in the RAF.

Lynne contacted Jackie Bird, Welfare Benefit Adviser at CGA to see if she could help.As part of her role, Jackie is a volunteer caseworker for the Royal British Legion.(RBL)

Jackie visited Mr Hooley and discussed the type of wheelchair he needs. She made an approach to the Royal British Legion to see if they were able to help.

The Royal British Legion then contacted, Jackie to confirm the details of Mr Hooley’s situation and she made an application for funding.

As a result the RAF Benevolent Fund (RAFBF) agreed to pay for Mr Hooley to have a new wheelchair. The cost of the new chair was over £6000.

The chair has been supplied by Powerchairs. Paul Cushen from Powerchairs visited Mr Hooley and spent time with him ensuring the chair was a perfect fit.

Mr Hooley would like to say a big thank you to the RAFBF, RBL, Lynne,Jackie and Paul Cushen for all the help and support they have given him.