THE family of a teenager bravely battling against a muscle-wasting condition are saying a big 'thank-you' to goldenheart townsfolk who helped to buy him a special wheelchair.

An appeal was launched to raise the £5,800 needed for the electronic chair after the story of muscular dystrophy sufferer Paul Butler (17) from Haydock, St Helens was featured in the Star last year.

Paul's mum, Eileen, told the Star: "We are all so grateful to everyone who helped us raise the money. Members of the family and friends have done everything, from sponsored swims to afternoon fetes. Paul's little sister Gemma even managed to raise £100 by doing a sponsored rollerblade and I am especially grateful to my niece Margaret Fayle who helped me organise the whole fund. We couldn't have raised the money without her."

Eileen also told of Paul's delight over his new chair: "He is over the moon with it. It's got rear view mirrors and lights and is just like a little car really. He's already been around the block in it and we've taken him on trips to St Helens town centre to get used to it."

Sadly, Paul's condition has worsened following an unsuccessful operation at Alder Hey Hospital to straighten his spine, and plans for him to attend Carmel College, where he had been offered a place, have had to be cancelled.

But, according to Eileen, he remains cheerful, and the family are hoping he will be able to get out and about in his new transport during the summer.

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