Published: Thursday, 22nd February, 2007 16:07
Rebecca needs YOUR help
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LIKE most 16-year-old girls, Rebecca Bignall is excited about her future.
She is knuckling down to her final few months at school and poring over her college course options for the autumn.
But Rebecca needs YOUR help to make her dreams come true.
She has Spina Bifida and currently uses a basic manual wheelchair to get about.
Without a modern electric-powered chair, some of the tasks many people take for granted — like going to the shops or cooking a meal — become extremely difficult.
Rebecca said: `A new chair would make an amazing difference. At the moment I have to rely on other people to help me with so many things — the new chair would let me take care of myself instead.
`At the moment I can't take the train or go into town on my own, or do my own cooking and shopping.
`A new chair would be give me a bit of independence and let me live my own life.`
The Rebecca's New Wheels Appeal was set up by the Hermitage Achievers group at Hermitage Academy to raise the cash required to give Rebecca a life-changing opportunity.
Academy pupils have already held special events to raise cash, with fantastic results.
A series of special events on Valentine's Day, including a disco, non-uniform day and raffle, raised more than £2,000 towards the target.
Argyll and Bute Council have also agreed to make a contribution to the cost of the chair.
Now we are asking Advertiser readers to contribute the £2,000 needed to make the new chair a reality by taking part in a series of special events over the next few weeks.
Rebecca, of East King Street, Helensburgh, is hoping to study Administration at Clydebank College.
She said: `When I heard how much money had been raised already I was quite emotional about it. I had to take a moment to compose myself.`
Rebecca's dad Mike added: `Rebecca's social workers have been brilliant. They've done everything they can to help.
`A new chair would let Rebecca get on with her life and give her much more independence.
`We owe a massive thank you to Hermitage Achievers — they've done so much in a short space of time.`
Margaret Adam, who runs Hermitage Achievers, said: `Rebecca went to primary school in Helensburgh and a lot of the pupils at Hermitage Academy know her.
`I think that made a difference because they could see what is needed to help her.
`Rebecca's a smashing girl. She is very bright and we are glad to be able to help.`
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Heart fund's £23,000