Warm Gesture From Gas Charity
10th July 2008
A fifteen-year-old boy who suffered terrible injuries in a traffic incident two years ago has received a welcome boost from a local charity.
Ruben Gibson from Donaghadee is lucky to still be alive after he was struck by a car whilst on his way to Bangor Academy School. The incident led to Ruben suffering severe head trauma which left him in a coma for 3 months and full life support for 18 days.
Despite having limited body movement Ruben and his family have remained positive about his progression. One of the major daily problems is with Ruben’s back, and for this he needs regular cortisone injections into his spine. To help with his development an ‘Easystand’ has been purchased for the Gibson family by the Energy for Children Charitable Trust – the Charity set up by the local natural gas industry to help disadvantaged children. This expensive piece of equipment can help Ruben build muscle, increase circulation and reduce the risk of him getting pressure sores. Also being upright and mobile helps increase his confidence and self-esteem, especially through being able to stand and interact with friends and family at eye level.
Ruben’s mother Sheridan revealed: “The support we have had from businesses and the local community has been overwhelming. We are already seeing the real positive effects that the stand is having on his development”.
The Energy for Children Charitable Trust, founded and administered by Phoenix Natural Gas, is continuing with its aim to raise £250,000 for local disadvantaged children by the end of 2009.
Pic: Jonathan Martindale of Phoenix Natural Gas with Ruben Gibson and his new ‘Easystand’.