'I don't need to carry her anymore': Family relieved by newly installed lift
A Wellington family received a new lift for their home after a generous anonymous farmer covered the remaining costs following a public appeal. The lift allows the father to safely assist his daughter, who has cerebral palsy, without the physical strain of carrying her.
Why it matters
It highlights the impact of community support and media coverage in addressing accessibility challenges for families with disabilities.
A dad who has been lifting his teenage daughter from her wheelchair up the stairs to their front door is relieved a lift has been installed with the help of a generous benefactor.
The Thomas family live on a steep section in Wellington and work to put in a lift was on hold for more than a year because the funding would not cover the cost.
After hearing the story on Morning Report in April, a farmer got in contact with RNZ to offer help and the lift is now complete.
Dinson Thomas said his 13-year-old daughter Ann was already using the lift herself.
"She's very happy because before when I carried her, she was scared. Now she's very happy because she's operating the lift and she's happy with it."
He said he is relieved to have a lift and thanks the farmer, who wishes to remain anonymous.
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