New Electric Wheelchair for John

Hello, my name is John Freeman, I am 75yrs old, live in Gordonvale, Qld and with the help of my friends, Judy and Jacque, I am setting up this Go Fund Me in hope to raise money for a new wheelchair.

I have an inherited, rare condition called spastic paraplegia gene 7 complicated (SPG7), a condition that affects the nerve cells in my brain and spinal cord impacting my ability to walk, to sit up straight and my ability to speak clearly. Although my condition has progressively declined over the years I have still managed to live independently in my own unit with the help of My Aged Care and Nurse Next Door, who provide me with a couple of hours of support five days a week.

My original wheelchair was bought for me by MAAS, 16yrs ago; due to its age and condition it needed replacing last year, however My Aged Care told me I did not have the funding to purchase a new chair out of my plan, so I had no choice but to spend some of my savings on a second hand chair, which sadly was not in working order. I then spent the last of my savings on another repurposed chair, which I have used now for 6 months, however this chair has caused me a great deal of stress and frustration. Unfortunately, this current chair is far too big for me and due to its age, I find the controls difficult to use. My difficulty in controlling this chair recently resulted in a fall whereby I dislocated my shoulder and cracked a rib, spending the night in hospital. As the chair is far wider than my original chair, I also find I am running into walls and doorways, damaging my home and recently became entangled with a stroller on the public bus transport, causing me much embarrassment and frustration.

Due to these events and many others, last month an occupational therapist brought several new wheelchairs to my home for me to trial and identified the chair that would best suit my size and needs, it was perfect! The cost of this new chair is $ 20,000; something I am unable to achieve on my own.

My interests include heavy metal music, Frozen Crown being one of my favourite bands. I go to 360 Gym three times a week where Rory, Brook and other gym participants help support my routine. Each Monday I join the “Chatty Table” at Caffin8, hosted by Deneise the owner who provides the best coffee, home cooking and hospitality to anyone who would like the social contact. I am very interested and committed to my health and take an active interest in politics.

Of all my interests, what is dearest to my heart, is the trust and friendship I have built with wild Willy Wag Tails, for three generations these birds have visited me to be hand fed on my veranda.

With your support, I am very hopeful that I can continue to live an active a life as possible, pursuing my hobbies and independently travelling on the bus to do my own shopping and attend my own medical appointments. I have never asked for help to this extent and will be hugely and humbly grateful to anyone who can help me live out the best life possible.

With gratitude, John.