A CAMPAIGN has been launched to raise funds to purchase an electric wheelchair for a Northside teenager who has muscular dystrophy.
Josh Dillon (14), from Foxhill, Donaghmede, was left housebound when his chair broke down on two occasions last year.
Due to his specific needs, Josh, who proudly represented Ireland at the Powerchair Football World Championships in Paris in 2013, cannot leave the house in his manual chair.
He also needs a specialised sling for the electric wheelchair, arm rests so his arm doesn’t fall off the side and a heater to keep his circulation going.
Josh has had the same electric wheelchair for more than five years, and, according to his mum, Elaine, it should be replaced every three years.
“Because Josh uses the chair every day, there is a lot of wear and tear on it,
? she told Northside People.
“Josh’s brain is working 100 per cent but the electric wheelchair is effectively his body.
“He does have a manual chair also but it can’t cater for his specific needs.
“Also, as a teenager, he wants to be as independent as possible and doesn’t want to have to ask people to push him around. It’s very frustrating for him when the chair breaks down.
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Josh’s electric chair broke down in March and October last year and was out of action for around 10 weeks on both occasions while repairs were being carried out.
“Muscular Dystrophy Ireland (MDI) kindly gave us a loan of an electric chair after the second breakdown,
? said Elaine.
Muscular Dystrophy is the name for a number of muscular conditions that involve the progressive weakening and wasting of the muscles. There is no cure for the condition.
Man United fan Josh, the eldest of three children, is a pupil at The Donahies in Donaghmede and will be going into third year in September. Unfortunately, he even had to miss some days in school following the wheelchair breakdowns.
“If Josh was able to get a new electric wheelchair it would make a real difference to his quality of life,
? Elaine added.
“He really deserves it and we’re hoping that this fundraising campaign will be a success.
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As part of the campaign, a Strictly Come Dancing night will be held at the Wright Venue in Swords on Valentine’s night, February 14.
The fundraising team is currently looking for businesses to help sponsor the event.
Corporate sponsors will have their names placed on the screens at the Wright Venue for the night and will be mentioned in the programme along with their logos being shown. They will also be mentioned on the Facebook page.
Businesses looking to sponsor the Strictly Come Dancing event can contact Theresa Kelly, one of the organisers, on 085-2751051.
Meanwhile, you can send donations to the Wheelchair for Josh Fund at the Bank of Ireland on the Malahide Road in Coolock. Sort code: 90-04-71 Account Number 83233845.