A happy ending to a tale of woe
Kenneth Robinson, 83, of Denton Holme, Carlisle, has been all but confined to his home since heartless thieves took his scooter, worth nearly £1,500, which provided his only link to the outside world.
After reading his story in the News & Star, staff at Age UK Carlisle and Eden, contacted Quingo after reading about the callous theft. Quingo immediately decided to donate a scooter which we handed over yesterday, Monday 12th October
Kenneth Robinson, with, from left, Sue Windscheffel, of Age UK, Mike Holborn, of Quingo and Beth Martin, Kenneth’s carer
A delighted Kenneth said: “I feel brand new again. I can’t believe it. I used that scooter every day. It changed my life, then it was awful when it went. I’ve had to get taxis everywhere or stay at home on my own.”
Kenneth on his Quingo Classic
Family friend Beth Martin, who helps care for Kenneth and who has suffered three strokes in the past and has a pacemaker, said they are all so grateful to everyone who offered to help.
Ken with Mike Holborn and Alan Eldridge Senior Quingo Engineer
“He bought the scooter a year ago. Before that he had a walking frame but he couldn’t go far on it,” she said. “Since he got it he’s been out and about all the time – coming across to my mam’s for lunch, going down the river, to the shop and into town. It’s been brilliant for him. When it was stolen he was devastated. It’s absolutely disgraceful that someone would do that to an 83-year-old. But people have been lovely. This will make a big difference to him.”
Ken and Alan – The test drive begins
Sue Windscheffel, of Age UK Carlisle and Eden, explained how the new scooter came about. “I saw Kenneth on the front of the paper and contacted Quingo. It was absolutely wonderful to get an email back to say they were going to donate a scooter. It’s just great to see him on it and happy, to have his independence back.”
Mike Holborn, from Quingo, added: “As soon as I heard about it I discussed it with our managing director and we very quickly decided to help.”
Ken getting instruction from Alan
Following the handover, senior Quingo engineer Alan Eldridge spent time with Kenneth customising the scooter and showing him how to operate it. As well as the scooter, Quingo has also included a 12-month warranty while Age UK have also organised a year’s free insurance for him.
The final setup Alan customising the scooter to meets Ken’s requirements