A Moray mum has been overwhelmed at the outpouring of support for her son as she aims to attain a new pushchair that could change his life.
Keith mother Liza Gillies needs to raise more than £2,000 to buy the specialist transport for her eight-year-old son Corey, who has Down’s syndrome and autism as well as suffering from hearing loss and low muscle tone.
A rush of donations have followed since the family’s story was reported in the Press and Journal on Tuesday.
Mrs Gillies said: “I’ve been overwhelmed with the support he’s been getting. I think it’s fantastic what people are doing for him.
“Corey doesn’t really understand what’s going on. If he could talk, then I’m sure he would be overwhelmed with how supportive everyone has been, even from people that don’t know him.”
Charity Newlife had already raised £680 for the new pushchair that could change Corey’s life for the better.
That means about £700 is still needed to fund the specialist equipment after generous Moray residents donated another £600.
Yesterday Mrs Gillies said fundraisers were already being organised in the town by kind-hearted locals.
Due to the Keith Primary School pupil’s medical needs, he is only able to manage short walks of up to five or 10 minutes at a time – as a result the eight-year-old often has to be carried.
His 15-year-old brother Daniel also has autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
Now Corey has outgrown pushchairs available on the market, the family is aiming to buy an adaptable one that should fit him until he is a teenager.
Mrs Gillies said: “At the moment, we have to choose between the boys or the shopping because he’s only able to walk short distances.
“If we get the pushchair it will mean he can come out walking with us and his dog.
“It will mean he’s got somewhere safe to retreat to in comfort that’s familiar while joining in with everyone else.”
Charity Newlife has confirmed that any money raised beyond the target will be spent in Moray on other children with disabilities and terminal illness.
Donations can be made online by visiting www.newlifecharity.co.uk/moray.