Residents thanked for backing Newtownabbey teen’s wheelchair appeal

Jodie Gourley (17), who cannot sit or stand unaided and is unable to walk, is currently in a powered wheelchair which prohibits her from doing a lot of things.

The Abbey Community College student recently trialled a new ‘Sit to Stand’ wheelchair which is motorised to raise her from a sitting position right up into a standing position.

Last week the Newtownabbey Times reported that the ‘Sit to Stand’ chair had been very beneficial for Jodie and an online fundraising page has been set up in a bid to raise the £28,000 needed to purchase one for her.

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So far £8,060 has been raised.

Praising the community, DUP Threemilewater Cllr Mark Cooper said: “I’ve been very encouraged by the generosity of residents across Newtownabbey, especially in these challenging times.

“There is still £20,000 to go, but I’m sure this can be met with the backing of the community.”

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