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Stroke victim Andrew Lawless, 49, is now closer to independence thanks to the fund-raising efforts of staff at Grand Union Housing Group (GUHG).
At their annual conference GUHG staff raised around £420 in their raffle, on top of money which they had already donated. In total they have now given £1385 to father of four Mr Lawless who was left needing a wheelchair after suffering a stroke last year.
In an emotional appearance at the conference to acknowledge the donation Mr Lawless told guests: “It is going to make such a difference to me when I can get a new wheelchair. It is all about giving me my independence back, and my freedom. That’s what this means to me. I am so grateful to all the staff for their generosity.”
Mr Lawless’ cause was chosen in a staff vote after one of GUHG’s own employees Gordon Richardson, who had also suffered a stroke, met him in hospital in Milton Keynes while they were both recovering.
Mr Richardson helped to organise a staff breakfast late last year in aid of partially paralysed Mr Lawless at SNH. The event, held at the SNH offices in Towcester, saw breakfast rolls and hot drinks being sold, as well as a raffle and cake sale, and raised £630.
Following publicity from this event, further donations of £55 were made by the public.
Mr Lawless visited the GUHG office where he was presented with a cheque by Group Chief Executive, Alan Humphreys to go towards his £9,000 wheelchair.
GUHG staff have now decided they will be donating the profits of a second hand book sale at their offices to Andrew.
