The Times wheelchair appeal draws "overwhelming" response

Tonio Mercieca, who became paralysed from the chest down after a diving accident, has been overwhelmed by the extraordinary support he received after making an appeal in The Times for help to buy a specially designed power wheelchair.

"I couldn't believe that there was such a fantastic response, only a few hours after the article appeared on Monday. The readers' generosity will give me a new lease on life," Tonio said beaming happily.

When the article appeared the Old Edwardian Association came forward pledging to raise Lm1,000 for the wheelchair, which costs Lm3,500.

"I am asking the old boys of St Edward's College to commit themselves to this charitable cause. Every time I have asked them for help the response was always excellent and I'm sure they won't let me down this time," association treasurer Eddie Aquilina said.

Apart from individual donations that Tonio has received, Globe Organisation, BUPA Agencies Limited and British American Insurance have also come forward offering to give him Lm600 between them.

The City of London bar has also written a letter to the editor pledging to raise "at least Lm300" during a fundraising dinner dance being organised in October, as part of the bar's 88th anniversary celebrations.

"My heart missed a beat when I received all these phone calls. It has taken some time for this news to sink in," Tonio said grinning from ear to ear.

His happiness is immeasurable, because without this specially designed power wheelchair he would have become a prisoner in his own bed.

Tonio, 39, has seen too many beds in his life after he had hit his head against the seabed when diving at the age of 14.

Backed by the immense support of his family, he has fought hard to reestablish himself in society. Today he has a job at the diabetes unit at St Luke's Hospital and an active social life.

However, not having the special power wheelchair means he would have to relinquish everything and spend long hours in bed until his sores heal.

Tonio's problems started last October when a huge pressure sore developed on the right side of his buttocks. After spending six weeks in bed the sore healed, but re-opened once he was back in his wheelchair.

That particular area of his skin had thinned out and because of the sores of previous years, it had lost its ability to heal. The plastic surgeon recommended that Tonio gets a muscle transplant to cushion the area of the sore between the bone and the skin.

However, though the operation itself was a success, once he attempted to get back to work the same situation reoccurred and he was back in bed.

The only way the sores will heal is by staying in bed. The wheelchair is his ticket to freedom but the one he has now is not allowing him to stay in it for long.

The wheelchair he wants to buy can 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.

Though Tonio has a job, he cannot afford the wheelchair especially since his family have recently had to take a loan to buy him a specially converted van which costs Lm11,000.

Apart from that, Tonio also has other medical expenses which include a carer who comes to his house twice a day.

To make matters worse, Tonio's father passed away a few weeks ago. This was the turning point which made Tonio decide to launch an appeal.

"I am overwhelmed by the support of such kind-hearted people. I am sure my dad is watching over me so that things will go smoothly for me," he said.

Those who wish to help Tonio may send a donation to the Bank of Valletta account: 40011726757.

Meanwhile, Mr Aquilina appealed to Old Edwardians to send whatever they could afford towards helping Tonio. Cheques should be made payable to the Old Edwardian Association and sent to: Mr Aquilina at 13, Flat 3, Stella Maris Street, Sliema.

Mr Aquilina also called on other old boys from different schools to come forward and help with the cause.