| Work on the ramp for his mobility scooter was completed yesterday and 95-year-old Mr Ramsay was delighted to cut the official opening ribbon at his home in Kirkton.
Mr Ramsay, who was wounded in the Second World War, has had replacement knee surgery and suffers from arthritis in his hips. Despite his mobility difficulties, he was told by the council he did not qualify for funding for a scooter ramp.
He was advised to turn to charity to raise the £9000 needed for the project and has received overwhelming support from various businesses and charities across the city.
The Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen Families’ Association agreed to meet £2500 of the cost and Asda Kirkton, raised £800. C. Babington Plant Hire and Ground Works gave their services free to build the ramp.
Liff couple Gladys and Ian Kennedy donated the mobility scooter to Mr Ramsay after reading about his plight in the Evening Telegraph.
Mr Ramsay said he was thrilled to now have access to his own front door, “It is great that it is finally finished. It is a big relief. Everyone has been so kind. The ramp is going to be a big help. I just don’t know how to thank everyone.”
Mary Robertson, events co-ordinator at Asda Kirkton, joined in the fun and presented Mr Ramsay with a hamper of food goodies, champagne and chocolate.
She said, “We are all absolutely over the moon for him. Mr Ramsay has been coming to Asda since it opened and he is such a lovely man. He is an independent and very proud man. We are absolutely delighted to see he has finally got his ramp.”
Councillor Ian Borthwick, who has been assisting Mr Ramsay in his ramp battle, also went along to see the finished work at Mr Ramsay’s home.
“I think the contractors and the architect from Dundee City Council have done a first class job and I would just like to say thank you to all those people who have contributed to getting Mr Ramsay a ramp. I sincerely hope he will now enjoy his additional freedom to get around.” |
