New wheelchair lets Jake get on the ball
A YOUNG wheelchair-bound football fan is getting a real kick out of life again thanks to the help of a charity.
Jake Hill, 12, was given a new hi-tech 5,000 electric wheelchair to replace his old manual chair by the Variety Club after his school contacted the club for help.
And it has completely turned Jake's life around as it has enabled him to join in games properly with his pals for the first time – instead of watching from the sidelines.
With a specially-fitted bumper attached, the year eight pupil of St Francis Special School in Oldbury Way, Fareham, can now take part in football matches as well.
The youngster developed cerebral palsy as a result of contracting meningitis at just 11 weeks old. As part of his condition he also has spastic quadriplegia and epilepsy.
He said: 'I think the new chair is really cool because I will be able to do a lot more myself now.
'Sometimes I would get frustrated watching the others play, but now I can kick the ball about with them.'
Mum Shelley Pattinson, of Howe Road, Rowner, said: 'Jake isn't the sort of person to let anything get him down – he doesn't see it as a disability himself.
'It is important for Jake to like his wheelchair and have something to be proud of. For Jake, it is like getting the best pair of expensive trainers. To have been given this help from the Variety Club has improved the quality of life of the whole family.
'The wheelchair has been absolutely fantastic. It's going to give him so much more independence.'
The avid Chelsea fan regularly attends a sports club for disabled children at Brune Park Community College in Gosport on Saturdays, when a number of sports are played.
'Today is going to be the first one in the new chair,' said Mrs Pattinson, 'so Jake is really looking forward to it.'
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Weather for Portsmouth
Thursday 24 May 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 15 C to 23 C
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