A FAMILY is appealing for the help of local heroes to help raise almost £3,500 for a new wheelchair for their severely disabled son.

Matthew Wardle, from Cark, near Grange-Over-Sands, has severe quadriplegic Cerebral Palsy and needs a special wheelchair that keeps him comfortable, while being tough enough to handle the varied terrain around his rural home.

The 14-year-old is fed through a tube, does not communicate verbally, has epilepsy, learning difficulties and is registered blind, although he has some sight.

Matthew’s mother Val said: “He loves being outside and right in the middle of everything going on, but this is a struggle in our rural area. He needs a new wheelchair which can be pushed easily.”

Although Matthew has a wheelchair from Statutory Services which he uses to attend Bleasdale school in Silverdale, it is too bulky and can only cope with even surfaces.

Outside of school Matthew has used an alternative lighter wheelchair which allows him to get around local community but after four years he has outgrown it, making his life more restrictive.

Matthew was born three months prematurely and as a result he has Quadriplegic Cerebral Palsy, which means both his arms and legs are affected so he can’t do anything for himself.

His condition means he is unable to do anything for himself, so he needs 24-hour management.

Val said her son loves silly sounds and noises with his favourite words being snakes, buzz and whoops as well as general slapstick.

A new wheelchair would not only make a difference to Matthew, but to his whole family; his father Joel and twin brother Jack.

Val said: “Having a wheelchair he could use outside of school would really improve life for us all. Matthew and Jack have an amazing bond. Jack can make Matthew laugh far more than anyone else can and he loves to push him in his wheelchair.

“Matthew would be so much happier and comfier in the new wheelchair he needs and the handles are adjustable so Jack could push him. It would allow us all to go out together easily so Matthew could be much more involved.”

To make a donation to Matthew, visit www.newlifecharity.co.uk/local/child_story.php?id=1067