Rye family's bid for special wheelchair to give boy his freedom

Ten-year-old Mason Skinner has a rare form of muscular dystrophy, called collagen VI deficiency.

The condition means he has to have physiotherapy every day at his home and his school, Rye Primary, plus hydro sessions once a week.

He also has to use an electric wheelchair on a daily basis.

But because of the type of chair Mason uses, he is limited as to where he can go.

Mason’s stepmother Sherry Skinner said: “In his current chair Mason is limited to flat paved areas.

“He can’t access the sandy or pebbly beaches or the woodland areas that surround us.

“We can’t have family days out easily.”

But recently Mason had the chance to try out an off-road wheelchair in woodlands at Fairlight, which Sherry said left the excited youngster “blown away”.

She said: “This new 4×4 chair would allow Mason the freedom to go almost anywhere independently and with us as a family.

“We were very lucky to trial this chair at Mallydams RSPCA centre along with two other children.

“All of the children’s faces just said it all.

“They loved it.”

Now Sherry is leading a crowdfunding campaign in a bid to raise the £15,000 needed to purchase the special chair, which will give Mason a new-found freedom and allow him to enjoy days out with his dad, stepmum and five siblings.

She said: “It will give unparalleled freedom and joy to a young man that truly deserves it.”

A Just Giving page has been set up and Mason’s family are asking the public to help the cause.

To make a donation to Mason’s wheelchair, please visit www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/sherry-skinner-1

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