A TEENAGER who lost the ability to walk unaided five years ago is being given the chance to regain some independence.

Laura Hunt, from Northwich, was affected by the rare disorder Spastic Paraparesis when she was just 12 and until now has needed someone to push her around in her wheelchair because it is too heavy.

However, on Monday she was presented with a new, lighter wheelchair that will allow her to get around unaided after the community rallied round to help.

Mum Dawn Hunt said: “A new wheelchair will boost Laura’s confidence and her ability to socialise.

“She knows she is different but at the moment she feels awkward and self-conscious, having to rely on others for mobility.”

Laura’s family and friends have been working with leading UK children’s disability charity Newlife Foundation to raise the £2,801 needed for the new wheelchair.

A gift of £1,928 from the Vale Royal Lions Club along with other public donations have also helped.

Weaver Vale MP Graham Evans presented Laura with her new wheels. He said: “This is a fantastic example of how charities and local organisations can unite for important causes.

“The generosity of people in Weaver Vale will make an amazing difference to Laura’s quality of life.”

Laura attends Winsford’s Hebden Green Community Special School where other pupils have been provided with wheelchairs through Newlife Foundation.

The charity has funded 204 Equipment Grants worth £355,670 for children in Cheshire.

Demand on its resources has shot up in recent months – the charity is currently working with a further six families in the county with equipment needs totalling £4,641 – and is appealing for ‘local heroes’ to come forward to fundraise or donate.

Newlife CEO Sheila Brown said: “Newlife guarantees that 100 per cent of any gift or donation will go directly to fund equipment for disabled and terminally ill children in Cheshire.

If you think you can help, the Newlife Community Fundraising Team can be contacted on freephone 0800 988 4640.