A DISABLED mum will take delivery of an electric wheelchair she desperately needs before Christmas, thanks to a successful fundraising event in Bowdon.

Aimi Goodman held the fundraising Christmas party at at St Luke's Church, Vicarage Lane, Bowdon Vale, to help mum of-two Sophie Perkin.

Sophie, aged 27, has been on the waiting list for an electric wheelchair for over a year and so her friend Aimi decided to take matters into her own hands.

The event on December 17 not only raised the £250 needed for the wheelchair, but also another £300 that will be used for an access ramp at Sophie's home.

The day included children's games provided by Out 4 the Bounce, an arts and crafts stall by Natalie Bailey, mulled wine, food, tombola and a raffle.

Aimi said: "It was great. the community really pulled together.

"It was a brilliant turnout and everyone helped on the day."

Sophie said: "It was great to see so many people that cared. 

"I always knew I had good friends, but you never think they'll go above and beyond for you like this, especially so close to Christmas - it's amazing and I'm so grateful.

Sophie was born with neurological cancer of the spine which crushed her nerves and spent many years on crutches. Due to the strain on her arms and damage to her shoulder, Sophie had to start using a wheelchair.

She said: "I have been using a manual wheelchair for around 20 years now and although it doesn't have as much strain as my crutches it still doesn't give me much chance to rest my arms like my neurologist has told me.

"Without the electric wheelchair I faced losing my arms as well as losing my legs which I have only recently lost due to spending so much time in a wheelchair.

"I have two daughters, three and eight. Lexi, the eldest is autistic, taking her to school can sometimes be a real challenge. If she runs off, I can't catch up in a wheelchair and I'm exhausted - an electric wheelchair would hopefully go some way in helping that."

Aimi said: "I see her every day coming to school with the two girls and I know how much of a struggle it can be for her. It's hard to see when I know her life could be made so much easier, so I really wanted to do something."