A Trowbridge man with a condition that affects one in 60,000 people has thanked people for their generosity after his fundraising appeal raised £2,150 in just two days.
Darren Ashton-Lake, 31, was diagnosed with Freidreich's Ataxia, a progressive condition that effects the nervous system, at the age of 17.
He reached out for help after finding that the standing frame he needs costs £1,960 and is not available on the NHS.
He smashed his initial goal of £1,960 in just 48 hours from just 11 donors, including two large donations of £500.
Darren Ashton-Lake has thanked donors for their generosity. (Image: Darren Ashton-Lake)
Mr Ashton-Lake, of Albany Close, Trowbridge, said: “I can't thank everyone enough.
“Originally, I thought maybe I could get a couple of hundred pounds towards my frame but I've been blown away by the generosity shown to me.
“I have ordered the frame, it takes 6 to 8 weeks to be made and delivered.”
Darren Ashton-Lake tests out the standing frame which he hopes will help his mobility. (Image: Darren Ashton-Lake)
He added: “Unfortunately, I am unable to use most gym equipment to try and keep/gain muscle in my legs, and physiotherapy will only get me so far.
“My occupational therapist told me of these standing frames by a company called Oswestry Frames.
“They make bespoke standing frames which help people with neurological or spinal disabilities to stand and weight bear while feeling supported.
“I found one in an MS centre that I was able to go and see and try for myself. I was in the frame for at least 10 minutes or so, standing, with no discomfort, it was incredible.
“So I looked into getting the frame I used, and reached out for a quote, and it was £1,960.
“The NHS, are unable to help towards the cost, and I really felt the physical benefits of using the frame.”
Darren Ashton-Lake rides each week with the Riding for the Disabled's Saxon Group in Bradford on Avon to help strengthen his body core. (Image: Riding for the Disabled)
In September 2017, Mr Ashton-Lake, then aged 24, was named Riding for the Disabled’s National Rider of the Year Award winner.
Mr Ashton-Lake, who trains with the Saxon RDA Group at the Widbrook Equestrian Centre in Bradford on Avon, began riding as it helps to strengthen his body core and helps him balance.
Friedreich's Ataxia is a rare, inherited, degenerative disease that damages the nervous system, causing progressive symptoms that worsen over time.
Early symptoms include difficulty walking, loss of coordination, impaired speech, fatigue, and changes in sensation.
Later symptoms could result in loss of reflexes, hearing and vision loss, chest pain, shortness of breath, heart palpitations, scoliosis, foot deformities, and diabetes.
To donate to the Ataxia UK charity, visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/me-purchase-a-standing-frame?cdn-cache=0.
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