Mobility boost for Oliver

A teenager from Telford with a rare genetic disorder has been given a huge boost to his mobility thanks to a special community fund set up by the Wolverhampton Wanderers chairman.Thirteen-year-old Oliver Franks, of Admaston, Telford, was born with campomelic dysplasia, which affects his bones and severely impairs his mobility.

Staffordshire-based charity BDF Newlife approached Wolves Aid, the charity set up by chairman Steve Morgan for money towards a new mobility aid.

Thanks to the fund, Oliver is now the proud owner of a new power trike.

The trike was officially presented to him at the launch of Wolves Aid at Wolverhampton Wanderers' Molineux stadium this week.

Oliver's mum Louise Franks said: "The trike is going to give him the kind of mobility and independence a boy of his age really needs. It will enable him to enjoy more outdoor activities with his family and friends. He won't have to propel himself or rely on others to get around."

Sheila Brown, chief executive of Cannock-based BDF Newlife, said: "Wolves Aid has changed this young boy's life as he can do things in his trike other children his age take for granted.

"But there is a lack of funding for this kind of equipment and we are campaigning to get that situation changed."

People can sign a petition calling for change on BDF Newlife's website at www.bdfnewlife.co.uk