UK trip results give Tonio a better quality of life

Tonio Mercieca, who became paralysed from the chest down after a diving accident 25 years ago, is finally living life to the full after a trip to the UK for an ergonomics assessment.

The trip was crucial if Tonio was to get the maximum benefit of his specially designed power wheelchair which was bought after an appeal in The Times.

Last year, Tonio appealed to the health authorities to reconsider his request for a postural seating assessment (ergonomics), which his plastic surgeon had recommended and which could not be carried out in Malta.

However, his request was rejected. So although Tonio had managed to raise enough money to buy the Lm3,500-wheelchair, he could not make the best use of it.

The Old Edwardian Association, which had pledged to donate Lm1,000 towards the chair, decided to finance his trip to the UK instead since Tonio had managed to collect all the money for the wheelchair.

Association treasurer Eddie Aquilina said that an additional Lm500 was collected to ensure that Tonio would not have to fork out any money for the eight-day trip.

The money collected by the association went towards paying airline tickets for Tonio and his carer, renting of specialised transport equipment, hoists, accommodation and hospital fees.

"I am very grateful to all those who supported the cause of the Old Edwardians - students from different colleges donated money - as well as a number of individuals. We had a very good response and we helped make Tonio's dream come true," Mr Aquilina said.

Tonio is also eternally grateful to all those who donated money to buy his wheelchair and finance his trip to the UK for the ergonomics assessment.

"Thanks to The Times readers and the Old Edwardian Association my life has changed overnight - I can go to work everyday and accompany my friends to dinner without having to be pushed around," Tonio said.

"The donations have helped to restore my dignity and self-esteem and given me a better quality of life," he said beaming happily.

Tonio had 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 prayers was the specially designed power wheelchair which 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.