Week 9 - Dom's Wheelchair (The Brittle Bone Society / Action For Kids)

This story came to my attention via Twitter.  Dom Hyams has a severe form of Osteogenesis Imperfecta, commonly known as Brittle Bone Disease.  He leads an active and independent life due to having a specially adapted wheelchair.  Rather shockingly, this wheelchair was stolen last week.  Not only has he lost his independence, he also can no longer drive as his van is adapted to the wheelchair.  This means he also can no longer work.

The more I read about Dom's story the more inspirational he sounds but he can only do it with the help of the equipment which makes him mobile.  The wheelchair originally cost £17,500 and his van will also need re-adapting to the new chair.  They have already reached their original target of £25,000 but all additional funds will be donated to two charities.

The Brittle Bone Society work with people who have Brittle Bones to improve their quality of life.  Osteogenesis Imperfecta is a genetic condition which affects the production of colleges.  It most often causes fractured bones, scoliosis and curved bones as well as causing muscle weakness and reduced growth.

Action For Kids have assisted Dom by funding his wheelchairs down the years.  They support disabled children to live as "normal" a life as possible.  They provide essential equipment as well as practical skills to encourage young people with disabilities to live as independently as possible.

Dom's fundraising page is HERE.