MONEY is being raised in support of disabled former charity worker Jeffrey Atherton, who desperately needs a custom-made £6,000 electric wheelchair.

The ex-miner and Salvation Army officer is now virtually housebound in his specially adapted flat in Chatburn Avenue, Burnley.

Jeff, 59, suffers from angina, deep vein thrombosis, spondolosis and lumber of the spine and weighs around 35 stone.

He can hardly walk and rarely leaves the flat. Now supporters are trying to raise about £6,000 for a specially made electric wheelchair.

The funds were boosted by a treasure hunt, quiz, tombola and sale of refreshments at the Lovell Pendle Rise housing development off Knotts Lane, Colne.

Organiser Liz Jefferson, site sales negotiator said: "When I heard of Jeff's situation I thought it was disgusting that he was not provided with a suitable wheelchair by the National Health Service and so I decided to try to do something to help him."

And this weekend, Bob Harper of Earby returned home after walking across the Netherlands to raise money for the wheelchair appeal.

Bob has taken part in the four-day Nijmegen Trek for the past 12 years in support of different charities.

Jeff has been disabled for the past 15 years but only about a year ago had to give up his charity work for the Burnley Disability Information Centre and East Lancashire Disability Forum.

He worked as a miner at Bull Colliery, St Helens, but says he damaged his back lifting someone while working as a carer. He said: "People have been very supportive. I have even had a few £10 cheques from pensioners who have heard of my situation and the Salvation Army are planning a special meal, money from which will go to the fund."

He added: "I am now thinking of doing an open house to show everyone what facilities have been provided.

"All the doors have been widened and there is an en suite shower and everything. It is smashing, I cannot fault it."