'New found freedom' for disabled girl

'New found freedom' for disabled girl

A Lewes girl with cerebral palsy is relishing new found freedom thanks to a new walking frame paid for by people in Lewes.

Seven-year-old Francesca Powell, from Stoneham Close, has been given the frame following a fundraising effort from a disabled pensioner.

Shirley Philp, 70, from Harvard Close, whipped up more than 850 in sponsorship money to ride her mobility vehicle from Lewes to Hove, and after hearing about Shirley's efforts Lewes construction company Cheesmuir offered to meet the rest of the costs to buy the walking frame.

Francesca's mum Tracy said she is thrilled with the 1,200 frame which gives her much more independence.

Tracy said: 'When she first got it she was up and running straight away.

'She feels much more grown up in it.

'It's so much easier for because she can get straight into it. The old one had a brace and we used to have to lay her down and strap her and it wasn't very nice for her.

'It will also help her to walk more naturally and will help her joints and bones.'

Tracy was also full of praise for Shirley who completed the 11-and-a-half mile journey to Hove in three-and- quarter hours, despite the fact she is not in the best of health herself and has suffered a heart attack and spinal stroke in the past year. She was supported by friends Lucinda Hanacom and Richard Sandford.

Tracy said: 'I had no idea about the stroke and the heart attack, and if I did I wouldn't have let her do it.

'I only found out on the day as she was pulling away.

'She laughed about it later when I told her and said she was glad I didn't know.'

Seven-year-old Francesca Powell, from Stoneham Close, has been given the frame following a fundraising effort from a disabled pensioner.

Shirley Philp, 70, from Harvard Close, whipped up more than 850 in sponsorship money to ride her mobility vehicle from Lewes to Hove, and after hearing about Shirley's efforts Lewes construction company Cheesmuir offered to meet the rest of the costs to buy the walking frame.

Francesca's mum Tracy said she is thrilled with the 1,200 frame which gives her much more independence.

Tracy said: 'When she first got it she was up and running straight away.

'She feels much more grown up in it.

'It's so much easier for because she can get straight into it. The old one had a brace and we used to have to lay her down and strap her and it wasn't very nice for her.

'It will also help her to walk more naturally and will help her joints and bones.'

Tracy was also full of praise for Shirley who completed the 11-and-a-half mile journey to Hove in three-and- quarter hours, despite the fact she is not in the best of health herself and has suffered a heart attack and spinal stroke in the past year. She was supported by friends Lucinda Hanacom and Richard Sandford.

Tracy said: 'I had no idea about the stroke and the heart attack, and if I did I wouldn't have let her do it.

'I only found out on the day as she was pulling away.

'She laughed about it later when I told her and said she was glad I didn't know.'