Scott’s joy at new motorised chair

THE family of a young man born with severe learning difficulties have thanked the community for rallying round to buy him a motorised wheelchair.

And the fundraising night for 23-year-old Scott McClory raised so much that his proud parents Mark and Carol had enough left over to donate more than £3,000 to Daisy Hill Hospital where their son is a regular patient.

Mark, who is a member of Blackskull Orange and Blue Flute Band, said they could not have wished for better support in their fundraising night in Banbridge Orange Hall last November.

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Five local bands took part in the evening which included an auction and raffle and raised a staggering £6,500.

“We just couldn’t get over the amazing support we got from everyone who attended,” said Mark. “People were so generous.”

Since Scott was born he hasn’t been able to speak and he and his family have had to cope with his severe learning difficulties. While he made use of a manual wheelchair his parents struggled with his mobility as he grew older.

“He’s all grown up now and we would have had trouble pushing him up the Rathfriland Hill there for example,” said Mark, adding that his son has always loved music and been a fan of the bands in the local area.

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“Some of the other members of the band decided to organise a fundraiser and the results were more than we ever expected.

“This new wheelchair has made a massive difference to our daily routine and made life a lot easier for us.”

While the fundraising evening, compered by Gordon Jamison, gathered enough for the McClory family to buy a £3,250 motorised wheelchair, the same again was left over and given to the family to donate to a charity of their choice.

“We have always been very grateful to Daisy Hill Hospital where Scott has regular check-ups every six months,” said Mark. “A few years ago when he took very ill with pneumonia and had heart failure the hospital were excellent in their treatment of him.

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“We’re particulary thankful to Siobhan Rooney who was fantastic with Scott while he was in hospital.”

Mark and his family also extended their thanks to shops in Banbridge who made donations to the raffle and auction on the night as well as Trevor Gamble and Jackie Butler who were instrumental in organising the event.