Thanks to a £1,000 donation from The Pavers Foundation, 19-year-old Joshua Riding, who has Cerebral Palsy, has been able to purchase a much needed mobility scooter. The grant application was submitted by Joshua’s grandmother, Gillian Howarth, Sales Advisor at Pavers in Colne who desperately wanted to give her grandson a greater level of mobility and freedom.
Joshua’s condition makes walking extremely challenging, painful and slow. Joshua has been walking with the aid of sticks, but these often cause Joshua to slip and he therefore struggles to get anywhere safely on foot. Consequently, Joshua has little to no independence. Joshua currently volunteers in a British Heart Foundation charity shop and would love to work but he has trouble standing for long periods due to the pain in his hips and knees and needs to wear splints to keep his legs straight.
“Joshua has a heart of gold and has been through a lot in his life so far. I see him struggle to walk and it breaks my heart. He is a young lad and should be out and about. I am so proud of him for what he tries to do.”
Gillian Howarth, Sales Advisor at Pavers in Colne and Joshua's Grandmother
Cherry, Store Manager at Pavers in Colne handing the cheque, from the Foundation, over to Gillian
We are pleased to say that the donation has been used to purchase a mobility scooter for Joshua, through the charity Just 4 Children. Now that Joshua has his scooter, he has not only gained independence, but he has also regained his confidence and a greater level of self worth.
In response to the donation, Gillian Howarth, Joshua’s Grandmother, has thanked the Foundation:
"It means the world to Josh that he is now able to be an active 19 year old boy who can now go and visit his friends and family whenever he chooses.
We all take being mobile for granted but for Josh this is absolutely AMAZING!!!!
Thank you once again to the Pavers Foundation and Just for Children as this has changed Josh’s life."
Gillian Howarth, Sales Advisor at Pavers in Colne and Joshua's Grandmother
Joshua on his new mobility scooter with his grandmother, Gillian.
