Rugby Rokeby Lions and family launches fundraiser to help Rugby teenager with muscle wasting disease keep his independence

When Tommy Lloyd, from Bilton, was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy at six years old his only symptoms were toe walking and muscly looking legs.

At 14, Tommy's mobility has worsened at the hands of the degenerative muscle wasting disease.

And his family is asking for help to buy a specialist chair that will help Tommy keep his independence.

Eventually Tommy will have to be in a wheelchair full time, ultimately ending up paralysed.

Tommy's mother Hayley Lloyd said: "Tommy now struggles to get off the sofa at home as the muscles in his legs are weakening.

"The only way he can get up is to pull himself up by up using the wall and radiator."

The family is trying to raise £1,000 to buy a 'rise and recline' chair - a specialist electronic chair that moves to make it much easier for Tommy to be able to sit down and get up.

Like most 14-year-olds, Tommy likes playing video games and having his friends round - and this chair will allow Tommy to keep doing this.

Hayley said: "He loves gaming, I think because when he's doing that people don't see his disability.

"A specialist rise and recliner chair would be brilliant as it would get him from a seating to a standing position mechanically - he wouldn't have to struggle.

"It's also about him having independence and not feeling embarrassed when his mates come round because he can't get out of the sofa."

The fundraiser came about after Rugby Rokeby Lions approached Hayley and asked if there was any equipment they could help to fundraise for.

And the club will use this year's Pancake Race on Sheep Street to raise funds for Tommy.

The event takes place on February 25 at 12pm outside the Rugby Hotel on Sheep Street.

If you would like to help, the lions will collect donations on the day - or you can visit the fundraising page Hayley has set up at bit.ly/3bhBVP3.

To learn more about taking part in the Pancake Race, visit www.facebook.com/RugbyRokebyLionsClub or call 01788 331194.