VILLAGERS are banding together to help buy a £19,000 wheelchair for a young muscular dystrophy sufferer.

David and Lynn Lewis, of Cumnor Road, Farmoor, have organised the first event – a sale at their home today and tomorrow – to raise the cash to replace their son James’s nine-year-old wheelchair.

James Lewis, 23, who works as a volunteer for Helen & Douglas House hospice, said he could not take his chair, which was donated to the family, along country paths and found it difficult to cross roads without dropped kerbs.

The sale will include clothes, books and toys, as well as items donated by neighbours.

There will also be a talent night in Farmoor Village Hall on Saturday, October 23, sponsored runners in the Eynsham Maylarch fun run on Sunday, November 28, and a tea at Eynsham Hall on Sunday, December 5.

Mrs Lewis, 52, said: “People have been very supportive, bringing me gifts for the raffle and one or two people from the village are doing some singing for the talent night.

“We are a nice little community, we all help each other.”

Mr Lewis added: “It’s quite important to get this new wheelchair because the chair I have at the moment is starting to wear out.

“The new one has got a lot more functions on it.”

Mr Lewis has tested the Four-X chair he would like, which can go across all terrains including sand and snow.

His father, 64, said: “James’s electric wheelchair is his lifeline to the outside world. It’s nearly 10 years old and many of the parts are wearing out.

“We’re trying to raise £19,000 to buy a new one, which will enable him to continue enjoying his life to the full.

“Without a wheelchair he is completely helpless.

“Wheelchairs are only supposed to last six to seven years – this one is doing well but it won’t last much longer.”

He added: “We went to the dragon boat racing a few weeks ago in Abingdon but we had to give up as we couldn’t go along any of the paths.

“This one is specifically made for difficult conditions and goes down kerbs.

“The NHS provides standard electric wheelchairs but in James’s case, this definitely wouldn’t suit his needs.”

Oxfordshire PCT was unable to comment at the time of going to press.

For more details, email davidandlynnlewis@btinternet.com