THE last big push to raise funds so a young boy from Camelford, who is a bilateral leg amputee, can have a powered wheelchair has reached its goal.

Joel, from Camelford, had his legs amputated when he was seven and a half months old, after contracting meningococcal septicaemia and meningitis B. As a result he has chronic renal failure and damage to his right arm.

Joel’s mother, Catherine Rawlinson, had previously held a number of fundraising events, enabling her to purchase a mobility chair, but said this final fundraising event on Sunday, June 2, held at the Bowood Golf Club, was ‘the last big push’ to achieve the original goal of £1,400.

She only needed to raise £900 to reach this target, which she said ‘will be used to purchase a powered wheelchair for Joel, to make getting around outside easier’.

Catherine said: “The event went really, really well. It was really humbling to have so much help and support on the day.

“Joel was delighted with the event and thought it was wonderful. He feels really special to have had so much support.

“I don’t think I will be in any hurry to arrange something like this again though, it was certainly a lot of hard work, but definitely worth it.”

The event included an auction by Kivells, which included prizes like a powerdrill, vouchers for various attractions, meals out, paintings and much more. There was also a silent auction, lucky dips for the children and a tombola and raffle.

Speaking about how successful the event was, Catherine said: “I have to say thank you not only to the local businesses of Camelford who helped make this event a success but to all the strangers who donated, there were many people who I had never met giving money and I have to say a massive thank you to them for their generosity!

“I also have to thank Ben Harry, Michelle Pluess and Nigel Cobbledick for their support on the day, the Bowood Golf Club for allowing us to hold the event there, and to all my friends for coming along and manning stalls and helping out — without them we might not have reached our target.”

Since the event Launceston Mobility has helped advise Catherine and Joel about which mobility chair and powered chair would best suit him. Catherine said: “Launceston Mobility have been really helpful in choosing the right chair for Joel. Their advice has been invaluable.”