“My new powered wheelchair has made a huge difference to my life”

When RAF veteran Donald Ferguson had a serious road collision just weeks after leaving the RAF, he was left paralysed from the neck down at the age of 24. The practical support Donald received from the RAF Benevolent Fund has helped him regain his independence and feel less isolated at home.

Donald, 61, from Keith in Scotland, joined the RAF at the age of 17. He worked as an APP2 Air Photography Processor, processing films from gun cameras on aircraft such as Buccaneers; these films would be used to tell if a target had been reached. Donald loved his time in the Air Force, in particular his time working with the RAF Mountain Rescue Service.

Donald was 24 when he left the RAF in 1987. Just a few weeks later, he was involved in a traffic accident which left him hospitalised and comatose for 18 months. Donald was treated for carbon monoxide poisoning after inhaling the exhaust fumes from his car. He was left paralysed from the neck down following the accident and had to adjust to life as a wheelchair user, as well as relearning how to speak.

Donald said:

“It was just one of those things. We get some curve balls thrown to us in life and have to learn to cope with them. You have to sink or swim, as they say.”

As Donald had supported the RAF Benevolent Fund through the Service Day’s Pay Giving scheme throughout his time in the Force, when an ex-Army friend mentioned the help that he might be eligible to, Donald decided to reach out to the Fund.

The Fund’s Welfare Case Workers in Scotland visited Donald to assess his welfare needs and recognised the difficulty he experienced getting outdoors with his dog in his wheelchair and the isolation of living in a rural location – all of which contributed to Donald’s low moods.

The Fund supported Donald with a new powered wheelchair and a shed to house this in outside. Donald said:

“The powered wheelchair from the Fund has meant everything to me. It means I can go off-road for walks with my beloved Labrador Kierra, and the chair can go across any terrain.

“It’s made a huge difference to my life; without the chair I’d be stuck indoors.”

He continued:

“The help from the Fund has been fabulous and means everything to me. I can’t thank the welfare team enough for the support they’ve given me – they’re worth their weight in gold!”