A decorated Paralympian, well-known to many across the Sarnia-Lambton community, is asking for some help this holiday season.
Robert Hughes, who was born with cerebral palsy, told Sarnia News Today his lift chair has sadly broken beyond repair leaving him struggling to stand up, sit down, and rest comfortably.
He contracted a case of COVID-19 in April 2020, and was also diagnosed with follicular lymphoma which worsened his condition.
"The COVID actually attacked my central nervous system due to me having cerebral palsy, so that's what caused the nerve damage," said Hughes. "I was disabled before but I basically had to learn to be differently disabled."
The chair costs about $5,400, including delivery and setup.
Hughes said he relies on the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) benefits as his primary income, and this type of essential equipment is not covered more than one time.
A Go Fund Me page has been launched with the hope of covering the costs.
"For me, it's really a necessity because of the health issues I've had," he said. "It really helps me stand up and alleviates pain as well so I can keep my legs elevated. It also has a heat and massage built in to help with my pain and neuropathy."
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.
Hughes currently works as a statistician with the Sarnia Sting Hockey Club.
A link to his Go Fund Me page can be found here.
