Success for man who is able to leave house after years in bed
FOR the last three years, Daniel Baker has not been able to enjoy the feel of the sun on his back.
But now, Daniel, from The Reddings, can finally leave the house because, after a fundraising campaign, backed by the Echo, the 37-year-old has received a special electric wheelchair.
-
FREEDOM: Daniel and his mum Julia Baker outside their home with Daniel's new wheelchair
Daniel was diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy when he was three and needed a specialist electric chair, which cost about £9,000 and was not available on the NHS.
The chair reclines fully, has low pressure wheels to travel on all surfaces, and special controls for him to move about. It will also be fitted with a tray and cushions for his legs.
Business Cards From Only £10.95 Delivered www.myprint-247.co.uk
View detailsOur heavyweight cards have FREE UV silk coating, FREE next day delivery & VAT included. Choose from 1000's of pre-designed templates or upload your own artwork. Orders dispatched within 24hrs.
Terms: Visit our site for more products: Business Cards, Compliment Slips, Letterheads, Leaflets, Postcards, Posters & much more. All items are free next day delivery. www.myprint-247.co.uk
Contact: 01858 468192
Valid until: Sunday, May 26 2013
Daniel said: "It's been simply amazing. It will take some getting used to, but I'm already looking forward to getting out and about."
His mother, Julia, said they were progressing slowly.
Daniel has to get used to sitting upright again, after being in bed for so long.
He has had to use a wheelchair since he was 11, but never let his disability bring him down. He graduated from Oxford Brookes University in 1999 with a degree in applied physics. He has since done computer programming for Nasa and is now working on an animation programme with the History Channel.
Daniel said he and his mother were grateful for the support they had received.
Julia said: "Our neighbours got the ball rolling, and since then it has snowballed into great support from everyone.
"The old lady behind gave me £5 the other day, and although she needed the money, she said Daniel needed it more. We are so thankful he has managed to get his wheelchair."
He was also supported by JS Security and Prestbury Marketing, which raised more than £2,800 through a rugby dinner.
John Search, from JS Security, said Mike Tindall had been particularly struck by Daniel's situation.
He added: "I mentioned to Mike about raising money and asked him if he would do a question and answer session and bring along a couple of Gloucester players. He ended up bringing about 12. It helped us sell tables. That's probably why we managed to sell so many."
Comments
by DanielBSc
Monday, October 08 2012, 7:24PM
“Thanks everyone for your kind words, it's nice to not see any trolls in tig comments for a change, and Grahambarker yep I'm not likely to get the sun on my back unless I fall out of the chair, I'm hoping that doesn't happen ;)”
by Grahambarker
Monday, October 08 2012, 11:02AM
“That really great news - but tig get the first sentence a bit wrong - again.
He's hardly in a fit state to lye on his front now is he!
Good luck mate.”
by Douglasknows
Monday, October 08 2012, 10:08AM
“Fantastic news and thank you for coming on here Daniel. You are obviously a very talented young man with a great attitude, one that a lot of youngsters today could emulate.”
by Qwerty05
Monday, October 08 2012, 8:10AM
“Well done Daniel for such a positive outlook given the rotten hand you have been dealt.
Let us not forget his mother and family who are so selfless.”
by SandraPee
Monday, October 08 2012, 7:56AM
“That's wonderful , and it's great how having this mobility aid has vastly improved his life .
Having just read Daniel's comment below, it makes you wonder how many other Daniels there are out there who's life could be greatly enhanced by a specific mobility aid ?
As any disabled person , or family will find , disability equipment can be so very expensive , and in a lot of cases , unaffordable, even though it can be vat free .
Good luck Daniel . Enjoy your ''wheels'' !”
by DanielBSc
Monday, October 08 2012, 7:01AM
“Thank you everyone who donated and helped, I am forever grateful. The chair is amazing and I'm slowly managing to go further outside, it's making a great difference to my life already.”