A decorated Paralympian from Sarnia is overwhelmed by the community's support to help him purchase a new electric wheelchair following an especially difficult 18 months health-wise.
A Go Fund Me page, in support of Robert Hughes, has already surpassed its $10,000 goal.
Hughes, who lives with cerebral palsy, said he contracted a suspected case of COVID-19 in April 2020, and was also diagnosed with follicular lymphoma.
He said it takes him about 20 minutes just to get into his current device, noting he needs help to get out of it and can't use it for accessible transportation.
"My mobility has gotten worse and neuropathy, there are certain times when I can't feel where I am on the seat and things like that," said Hughes. "The current mobility products that I do have, they don't really work for me anymore. I'm basically in the middle of getting new ones from my mobility vendor, True North Home Health. They're been really transparent and willing to help me out a lot."
Hughes is an 18 time Canadian champion, seven time Pan-Am champion and four time World champion in para track and field. He represented Canada in the 2000 Paralympics in Sydney, Australia, competing in shot put, javelin and discus.
He also works as the Sarnia Sting's statistician, and has been with the OHL team for the past 14 seasons.
The Go Fund Me page was set up by former Lambton Elderly Outreach CEO Bill Yurchuk who hired Hughes to work with the organization in April 2017.
Yurchuk is currently the General Manager of Wellings of Corunna.
Hughes is extremely appreciative of all of the community support so far, and said he was especially touched by a donation from a young girl.
"An 8-year-old girl from a church decided that she wanted to fundraise for me. She was selling bracelets and was able to raise $325 for me. Christmas is the season of perpetual hope. Those things are just really touching and I just thank everyone that has helped out so far."
Hughes is currently on medical leave but is hoping a new chair will help him return to work in 2022.
