Powered wheelchair gives Tonio a new life

Tonio Mercieca's eyes shone with excitement as he experimented with the gadgets of his new powered wheelchair which has helped him gain the independence he wanted so much.

Tonio, who became paralysed from the chest down after a diving accident 25 years ago, risked becoming bedridden due to the pressure sores which developed from spending too much time sitting in his conventional wheelchair.

The only answer to his fervent prayers was a specially designed powered wheelchair that could tilt back at the touch of a button to help shift the weight onto his back, alleviating the pressure from his buttocks in the process.

After appealing to the public, Tonio managed to raise the Lm3,500 he needed for the wheelchair from generous readers. The wheelchair has now arrived from abroad and Tonio was ecstatic as he tried it out.

Tonio had not been able to venture out on his own, so a few days after he got the wheelchair, he drove off to a nearby hairdresser and had his dark hair dyed blonde.

"For me, going to the hairdresser was a way of making a statement and proving that I was independent. I even went to the bank and posted a letter - simple daily things many take for granted," he smiled.

"With the other wheelchair, I could not wheel myself anywhere because I do not have enough muscle power in my hands. With this all I have to do is press a button," he says as he shows off some of his miniature 'car's' new tricks.

"I am eternally grateful to all those who donated money towards my cause. Their help has changed my life overnight," he said.

In the past week Tonio has been able to get his life back and he has even started to go to work at the Diabetes Clinic in St Luke's Hospital.

"Everybody at work and my family have been so supportive. When I was injured my family were injured too and I am thrilled that I have managed to get my life back," he said.

Apart from raising enough money for the wheelchair, an extra Lm1,000 was raised, which is going towards his trip to the National Spinal Injuries Centre at Stoke Mandeville in the UK.

Earlier this year, Tonio's plastic surgeon had recommended that his patient needed a postural seating assessment (ergonomics) to "identify the pressure source that was causing the recurrence of ischial ulcers".

Tonio had appealed to health authorities to reconsider his request to go to the UK for an ergonomics assessment which is not available in Malta.

However, a Health Ministry spokesperson had said that the Treatment Abroad Advisory Committee, which advises government on which cases are to be referred abroad for treatment, "felt the provision of such a service was outside its scope and competence".

Tonio felt he would not be able to get the maximum benefit from the wheelchair without the necessary ergonomics assessment, so the trip to the UK was vital.

Eddie Aquilina, treasurer of the Old Edwardian Association, said that the Lm1,000 that they had originally pledged towards the wheelchair will now go towards Tonio's assessment at Stoke Mandeville.

"Since Tonio managed to collect the necessary sum of Lm3,500 for the wheelchair, the association's money will go towards his assessment at the postural and seating clinic," Mr Aquilina said.

This means that Tonio already has Lm2,000 for his trip which will include airline tickets for himself and his carer, renting of specialised transport equipment, hoists, accommodation and hospital fees.

"I am appealing to any Old Edwardian boys who have a travel agent and who wish to give or subsidise two tickets to London Heathrow to please contact me," Mr Aquilina said.

Meanwhile, Mr Aquilina is also planning to raise another Lm500 which would completely cover Tonio's costs. Cheques should be made payable to the Old Edwardian Association and sent to Mr Aquilina at 13, Flat 3, Stella Maris Street, Sliema.