Halfway to target in fundraiser to adapt home of Uckfield man with MS

Financial contributions have come from friends, family and donations on JustGiving, while a range of local businesses have made contributions in kind.

Nick Cook, 49, said: “I’m extremely grateful for all the support from everyone, especially all the flapjackers/friends who have donated their skills and time free of charge.

“Work is now well underway, but there’s still lots more to do.”

Nick was a keen amateur triathlete and cyclist, competing successfully in local races as a founding member of Mid Sussex Triathlon Club (MSTC) until 2004, when his life was suddenly turned upside down by a diagnosis of primary progressive multiple sclerosis.

This is a form of multiple sclerosis in which deterioration is progressive.

Multiple sclerosis is a condition that affects your brain and spinal cord.

In MS, the coating that protects your nerves (myelin) is damaged, causing a range of symptoms like blurred vision and problems with how you move, think and feel.

For Nick, the condition initially meant giving up his work as an electrician, along with his beloved sports of triathlon and cycling.

Now, 16 years later, he is largely confined to a wheelchair, and is finding it increasingly difficult to move about his house in Uckfield, East Sussex, and especially to tackle the stairs, despite the installation of a stairlift.

He needs to convert the garage into a bedroom and wet room, so he no longer has to use the stairs, as well as create new, level wheelchair access to the front of his house and adapt his kitchen.

He also needs to build a permanent ramp to enable him to access the sunny part of his garden.

Nick applied to his local council for a grant to finance the work, but was told that it would be too expensive.

So a group of his friends, led by professional builder Graham Bond, decided to undertake the work themselves at a significantly reduced price.

Work began in June 2020, and significant progress has been made, with the demolition and excavation work completed, and construction work well underway.

The only alternative would have been for Nick to have to leave his house and move into shared local council accommodation, meaning that he would lose his independence and have to rely increasingly on public funding.

Nick said: “My mobility is worsening. Everyday tasks, like getting out of bed, getting to the bathroom, washing and cooking are becoming harder.

“Transferring from my wheelchair to the stairlift is becoming more difficult.

“This conversion will mean that all of the rooms I need are accessible in my wheelchair.

“I will also be able to get outside more easily.

“I’m grateful for the support from my friends and community. With their help I will be able to continue living my life independently, and I’ll still be included in the group.”

To donate, visit www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/callum-murray-1