Angmering boy’s life changed by new chair

Daniel Southall, 14, has Duchene Muscular Dystrophy, a condition that degenerates the muscles.

It has left him unable to stand or use his legs actively and the function in his arms is also reduced.

But his quality of life has been improved thanks to a donation from national charity Caudwell Children, which provides practical and emotional support to disabled children and their families.

The charity donated £14,000 in order to purchase the specialist chair for Daniel, which was topped up by a £1,800 donation from the Jospeh Patrick Trust and the remaining £2,200 from a trust set up by family friends.

Before he received it, the only way that Daniel could stand was to be hoisted into a stander wearing a physio suit, which meant he had to leave his classroom before being manoeuvred.

Daniel, of Findon Valley, said: “My new wheelchair makes life so much easier. I can also stand in my chair, which is a lot better than using the horrible standing frame, which I could only use once a week. Now I can stand every day.

“Sometimes, I used to get wound up by not being able to do simple things, like not being able to see, or watch something that is too high, but now that can be done easily, which makes me really happy.”