SUMMER Haven resident David Stowe is over the moon with his new specialised wheelchair, which was donated to him by VL Venture Trust and other anonymous benefactors.

The wheelchair carried a hefty $24,000 price tag, which was well out of Mr. Stowe's reach but with the help of several local businesses and the Trust, he was the appreciative recipient of the Invacare 3G Storm chair, which is equipped with power lift and a recline seating system.

A spokesman for the Trust said: "This is the first major undertaking for a charitable cause and his (Mr. Stowe's) has improved to a new level thanks to the Trust.

"We have received a few other requests for specialised wheelchairs. One of the greatest improvements in the person's quality of life will be the reduced incidence of pressure sores."

A beaming Mr. Stowe heaped praise on his benefactors and explained how it has helped with his independence and greater mobility.

"I told VL about my predicament and he was willing to help me out. These chairs are expensive and it is almost like investing in a car and every year they add more features.

"Having this chair has given me greater independence and I can do my own shopping to some degree. Plus, it brings me that much closer to trying to enter the workplace.

"I would like to thank VL and his secretary Karen Outerbridge, Mr. William Pitt and his secretary Cynthia Boorman, and Kirkland Williams, who helped to get the ball rolling."

The Trust's spokesman said: "It has been an idea for the Trust to become involved and be a place of compassion and we definitely saw a need in the community by helping those who are in dire need of specialised wheelchairs."

If anyone needs further information in either helping the Trust or inquiring about a specialised wheelchair, e-mail the Trust at echerwinskilogic.bm.