New wheelchair funded by charity and anonymous donation

Residents in the Cotswolds have helped buy an electric wheelchair for a man recovering from a stroke.

Craig Stanley, from Cirencester, had a seizure in February 2022, while driving home from work. He ended up in a car accident and put in an induced coma.

An anonymous resident contributed to the wheelchair, which was also funded by local charity, The Churn Project.

Mr Stanley spent nine months in Oxford, Swindon and Bristol hospitals, being treated for his injuries.

After being discharged, his family said he has found it incredibly difficult living at home, as he needs it to be adapted for his new additional needs.

Cotswold District Council councillor Claire Bloomer said the help was only possible with the support of people in the town.

“Craig is overjoyed to have his wheelchair, and this achievement is truly remarkable,” she said.

The Churn Project helped to fund the chair, with the a large donation coming from an anonymous benefactor.

“It is an absolute privilege to be able to help Craig and his family and great to see that his quality of life has improved because of all this work,” said Graham Harris from the charity.

Mr Stanley’s father, Pete Stanley, also bolstered the fundraising with the help of Ashcroft Church.

“Craig would like to express his deepest gratitude to everyone who played a part in making this transformation possible,” he said.

“When we unite and work together, we can achieve remarkable outcomes.”

Further modifications to Mr Stanley’s home are also on the cards to further improve his quality of life.