GEORGE NEWS - The family of 60-year-old Mercia Roberts is urgently appealing for assistance to help her regain a measure of independence after her electrically powered wheelchair broke down.

Roberts has lived with paralysis since a childhood accident at primary school, which also left her hands severely deformed and unable to function properly. 

As a result, she relies entirely on an electrical wheelchair for mobility, as she cannot operate a standard manual chair on her own.

Her situation has become increasingly difficult over the past year. Two years ago, Roberts found happiness after marrying, but her husband passed away from a heart attack just a month ago, a devastating blow for someone who had spent much of her life alone. Compounding her hardship, she has since been diagnosed with both breast and liver cancer.

According to her family, the wheelchair that gave her freedom and dignity has now broken, leaving her largely immobile and dependent on others. “This was her only bit of independence,” a family member said. “We are doing everything we can to help her get it back.”

To assist with the costs, a BackaBuddy account titled “electrical wheelchair” has been set up. A new electrically powered wheelchair costs approximately R20 000. (www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/electrical-wheelchair)

Those who wish to assist can also contact Mercia on 073 631 9936 or Zelna on 081 521 2459 for more information.

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