Northumberland care home donates mobility scooter to pensioner to bring back his independence

Terry Black, 68, who has had a mobility scooter donated to him by Philip Armstrong, from a Cramlington care home
-Credit:RMBI Care


A care home in Cramlington has donated a mobility scooter to a pensioner to help bring back his independence. Philip Armstrong, a facilities assistant at RMBI Care Co. Home Scarborough Court, responded to 68-year-old Terry Black's request.

Terry used to be very active and outgoing, but due to sudden changes in his health and the subsequent treatment, he can no longer drive. He decided to reach out to those in the community, to see if he could loan an electric wheelchair.

Philip, who has worked in the Cramlington care home for nine years, responded to Terry to say that the home could donate a motorised mobility scooter to help him become independent once again. Terry said: "The gift of a scooter has changed my life, and I liken it to Cinderella and her fairy godmother.

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"There was no purpose in my first adventure out only that I could, and I did not have to book a taxi or ask a neighbour for help. The freedom was complete joy, and one forgets how kind strangers can be. The last few days have seen my whole world open up again."

Terry used to work as an assistant set decorator in theatres around the country, including London's Freemasons Hall. During his career, he met several famous faces, including Meryl Streep and Hugh Grant, before retiring early to support his mother who was living with dementia.

Philip added: "When I saw the post from Terry in the local community group, I knew we had a scooter available at the home, which could really make a difference for him. After giving the scooter a little fine tuning and undertaking a few safety checks, it was amazing to be able to help give Terry his independence back so he could get around town again."