AN appeal has been launched to raise money for a Vale of Clwyd bike rider who was paralysed after fracturing his neck in an off-road accident.
The appeal's aim is to provide 30-year-old Chris Sinnett with a voice-operated computer and, later, a new wheelchair that can raise him to an upright position.
The campaign comes after more heartache for Chris, his wife Jo and their three-year-old son Ieuan who last year moved into a new bungalow at Haulfryn in Ruthin.
Jo, 36, was diagnosed with cervical cancer at Christmas and has since undergone surgery and radiotherapy.
“I am doing okay. We are getting through,” said Jo, 36, who married Chris in the chapel at Gobowen's Orthopaedic Hospital on Valentine's Day last year, just months after his accident in November 2008.
Now Jo's father, Frank McGillan is organising a sale of 10 unique photographs which are on display at Tommy's hairdressing salon in Ruthin's Clwyd Street to kick-off the fund-raising.
Frank, 67, who plays down his skill as a photographer, has taken pictures of nature and scenery, which have been reproduced for free by David Crouch of Fineline of Ruthin on 24in by 18in canvas supplied at cost price by Dean Hughes of Denbigh Market World.
“The photographs are unique and different one-offs, and won't be reproduced again,” said Frank who took some of the wildlife shots around his Prion home.
He would be delighted if each of the mounted canvases sold for £50 and invites members of the public, as well as customers, to visit Tommy's to see the pictures.
If people like the effect of the canvases, Frank is willing to mount their digital photos in a similar way and place a small profit of £10 from the work in the appeal fund.
A computer loaded with Dragon NaturallySpeaking software, a special mouse and headset would cost in total about £3,900 but would enable Chris, who has increased movement in his shoulders and arms, to work, go online, answer the phone and send texts by using voice commands.
The long-term goal – a Swiss-made chair that would raise Chris into a standing position so that he can do exercises and improve his health – would cost £18,000.
“The chair will stand me up which is good for the body and for exercise,” said Chris.
The family plans further efforts such as car-boot and yard sales and an auction of promises to try and swell the fund.
“We will have a go (to get the money) through normal government departments but with the current funding situation … if we can't, we are determined to raise the money,” said Frank.
Frank McGillan can be contacted on 01745 890388 or frank.mcgillan@virgin.net