Press Release
June 2007
No more uphill struggles for retired sailorAFTAID donates new electric mobility scooter to Sunderland pensioner |
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London, 12 June 2007 - AFTAID (Aid for the Aged in Distress), the charity that provides the elderly with vital financial support, has helped 87 year old retired sailor Robert Ridley of South Hylton, West Sunderland, regain his independence by donating a mobility scooter.
A long standing member of South Hylton Working Men’s’ Club Mr. Ridley has suffered from poor circulation for almost 10 years which, with a steep hill to climb for every visit to the social club and to do the food shopping, often left him in unbearable pain.
"I used to walk the four miles to work and back every day so when I started to have trouble just walking to my local shops and having to rely increasingly on my daughter, I knew I had to do something to retain my independence," commented Mr Ridley.
AFTAID supported the response of the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association (SSAFA) to Mr Ridley’s application by contributing to the purchase of an electric scooter. Within a month, Mr Ridley was up and rolling:
"The scooter has definitely changed my life. The climb to the club is no longer a daunting prospect and I’m grateful that I can get on with the things I like and need to do much more freely."
For further details or to speak to a Trustee email your request and contact details to info@aftaid.org.uk