Eyemouth family fundraise for £38,000 wheelchair with mystery book fundraiser

Joelle Cowe-Lough, 18, was born with Cytomegalovirus (CMV) which has resulted in her having global development delays, cerebral palsy and being non-verbal.

So far, she has spent her life in manual wheelchairs but as she has grown into an adult, it has become increasingly difficult for her family to take her out.

Joelle also currently uses a standing frame two days a week at her day care centre. Standing is excellent for Joelle’s entire body and allows her to get involved in things like crafting and baking, however the equipment she uses is so big that it can’t stay in her home or travel with her.

The family are now trying to raise £38,000 to purchase Joelle a power wheelchair which has a standing feature.

Joelle’s mum, Fiona Blaikie said: “Eyemouth is such a hilly town so its having a detrimental effect on our ability to get out and about which has a knock on effect on mental health and just the entire family.

“Joelle also loves going to the theatre and to safaris and zoos but for a wheelchair user, every barrier is eye level and she has a restricted view so being able to stand would change everything for her.”

As a way to raise the funds, the family came up with the initiative Reading Between the Wheels where they sell mystery book packages. So far, the community and businesses have rallied together to donate and purchase books, raising £6000 in total.

Joelle’s old school, The Grove in Berwick, also made a generous donation from scone sales.

Fiona added: “Joelle absolutely loves being read to and her little sisters are starting to read to her so we are a big reading family.

"I am not one for asking for help without giving so for me its a lot easier to be selling something. People have been so so generous.

“They make lovely gifts, there are so many people buying books so why not go out and buy one that changes somebody’s life.”

The books can be purchased from an honesty box outside the family’s house or from several businesses in Berwick and Eyemouth.

For more information, go to the Reading Between the Wheels Facebook page.