Communnity Buys Powerchair

Leisha Lamberth from Telscombe near Brighton, has received a life-changing electric wheelchair thanks to the fundraising efforts of Telscombe Mayor and Councillor Wayne Botting and the local community.

Mayor Botting began a fundraising campaign called ‘Stand up for Leisha’ in July this year with a view to raising funds to purchase a specialist powerchair. A wheelchair would give Leisha, 13, greater independence at school and home whilst ensuring maximum comfort and confidence when engaging with friends and peers. Leisha’s Cerebral Palsy results in co-ordination difficulties and the inability to stand . Mayor Botting was determined to pull his community together so that Leisha’s life could be significantly improved. When he took office as Mayor last year, he pledged: “It is my ambition to change at least one person’s life for the better – Leisha’s cause fits the bill perfectly. There should be no price too high for happiness and independence.”

The first phase of Mayor Botting’s campaign involved setting up a Just Giving donation page that raised an impressive £9,000 in four weeks. This total was increased by a multitude of events organised by the Mayor including a dinner dance, 10k sponsored walks and ice bucket challenges in local pubs. He generated significant local press interest that propelled donations even further and also attended a fundraiser at a Peacehaven school dressed in a fun ‘onesie’ and his Mayoral chains.

Once the final total had been achieved, the process of ordering the Etac E890 powered wheelchair began along with specific assessment of Leisha’s needs. This would ensure her bespoke wheelchair would give tailored comfort, postural support and appropriate functionality for better day-to-day living. Following delivery of the electric wheelchair, a presentation was organised at Telscombe Town Council’s Civic Centre on Telscombe Cliffs. The Deputy Lieutenant Michael Chowen; Mayor of Seaford; Telscombe Town Councillors; Honoured guests from the Lions and Royal Society of St George; Leisha’s family and the local community attended this special evening.

Councillor Wayne Botting explains: “The smile on her face couldn’t have been any bigger when she realised her wish had come true.”