The Harrhy family have been incredibly touched and astounded by the support they have received from the local community, after they launched a fundraising campaign in August to get their son a new, more suitable, wheelchair.

Thomas Harrhy, who turned 12 last Thursday, experiences the challenges of cerebral palsy, spastic diplegia and a learning delay. Thomas’ cerebral palsy affects both his legs, which means he is dependant on a wheelchair.

Thomas and his family moved from Hereford to Ross-on-Wye about a year ago. Since moving to Ross, the contours of the town are too steep for Thomas to push himself in his NHS manual wheelchair.

Thomas has identified a wheelchair that would help him navigate his own way around the town, giving him a confidence boost; Thomas is growing up, and a wheelchair that would give him his own independence would be invaluable.

Thomas has also identified an electric hand cycle, that when attached to the wheelchair can convert a manual wheelchair into a battery-powered tri-cycle.

The family set up an online page to enable them to collect donations: (www.gofundme.com/thomasharrhy) which went live on August 1st. Since then, more than £3000 has been donated to the family.

They are also planning to hold a raffle and a silent auction to raise funds. David Harrhy, Thomas’ dad told the Ross Gazette that many businesses, in Ross and Hereford, have been incredibly generous with donating prizes, and there is quite an eclectic mix of goodies. “We’ve got anything from tattoos and body piercing, through to making wills,” David explained.

David also explained that they had very recently received a private anonymous donation of £2000.

To read the full story, pick up this week’s edition of the Ross Gazette.