A COMMUNITY is rallying around a family's attempt to buy a new set of wheels to accommodate a special set of wheels.

Thomas Partington, aged 11, suffers from Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy which severely restricts his movement.

After a long battle, he received an electronic wheelchair which gives him a freedom out of doors he had never previously experienced.

But that freedom comes to an abrupt end when he travels away from his Westhoughton home with his family.

To get him into the family car, the wheelchair has to be dismantled, and all nine and a half stones of Thomas carried in.

Often it is his mother who is left carrying Thomas, and the stress caused to both is becoming intolerable.

Strain

The family's Ford Galaxy "people carrier" has been obtained through the Mobility scheme, which is due to come to an end this year.

To put an end to the growing strain, Thomas's parents, Anne and John, hope to be able to get a vehicle in which the youngster will be able to remain in his wheelchair.

As a result, they are having to "go it alone". But, even before taking out a loan on any vehicle, they have to pay at least £6,000 up front for a special ramp to be fitted. Anne said: "The vehicle will cost almost £20,000. The Mobility charity is very good, but we would have to give the vehicle back after three years.

"We would only be faced with another £6,000 bill to have work carried out on yet another vehicle. So we have decided to take out a loan to buy the vehicle ourselves - but there is no way we could find the £6,000 for the ramp."

The Wheels for Wheels Appeal is aimed to help the family reach their target and has touched a great many members of the community, including an under-14s football team, who have decided to kick start the appeal on Thomas's behalf.

Tony Owens, who runs the Dynamo Three Crowns team, said: "The appeal is hoping to raise money to provide Thomas and his family with a deposit for a fully converted vehicle in which he can travel while remaining in his wheelchair with the freedom, comfort and dignity he deserves.

"Thomas needs an operation for steel rods to be put in his back, but he has a heart defect which is delaying the operation.

Happy

"Yet if you put Thomas in a room of 20 children, he would be the happiest of them all. He is one of the nicest, happiest kids you could wish to meet."

A major event being organised is a match between the Dynamo Three Crowns team, for which Thomas's brother, James plays, and the AC Horwich 14s team.

The charity challenge match is on Saturday at Horwich Leisure Centre's Astro Turf pitch between 12.30pm and 2.30pm.

A variety of events are being organised, including a charity penalty shoot-out pitting the adults against the children.

A Westhoughton Community Centre quiz night recently raised £85 and Thomas's uncle, David Ramsden, has also been raising money.

David has created the 'Chocolate Challenge'. He has written a poem mentioning many different chocolate products and the challenge is to finish the poem, using chocolates not previously mentioned. The best entry will win a £10 gift voucher.

To enter the challenge costs 50p. Anyone interested, or keen to help in any other way, can contact the family on 01942 813375.

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