A motor enthusiast living in a care home has been able to reignite his hobby for the first time in two decades with help from a local businessman.
Stephen Morrison, a resident at Sue Ryder Dee View Court in Kincorth, has multiple sclerosis which affects his speech and movement.
Now wheelchair-bound, he has been unable to pursue his hobby of fixing up and driving classic cars for more than 20 years.
This all changed when Newmachar Motors car dealer Bryan Forman visited the centre after meeting one of its staff members on a flight.
He then arranged for Mr Morrison to be given a spin in a classic convertible Mercedes and help him rediscover his passion.
The pair took a trip along Royal Deeside, including a jaunt to Mr Morrison’s hometown of Inverurie before heading back to the city.
Mr Morrison’s daughter, Alexandra, said: “The day with the car was fantastic.
“To see my dad smiling and in his element being driven around in a sports car was just amazing.
“It really brightened him up and it’s all thanks to the fab Sue Ryder team.’’
The pair are planning several more trips over the coming months.
Sue Ryder practice educator Jude Scott added: ‘’We were delighted that Stephen enjoyed his day out in the Mercedes as much as he did and was able to indulge in his favourite hobby once again.
“This is just one example of how Sue Ryder focuses on quality of life and personalising its care for people.”
Dee View Court cares for 24 people with complex neurological and degenerative conditions including multiple sclerosis, Huntington’s disease and brain injuries.
It is one of five similar facilities across the UK run by the charity.
The Kincorth centre launched a three-year fundraising appeal in June, aiming to find £3.9million for an extension.
This will allow it to almost double the number of people it can care for.
Information on how to support the campaign can be found by emailing deeview.appeal@sueryder.org
