MORE than £2,000 was raised in a matter of days in support of a man who needs a specialist sports wheelchair.

Neil Howson, 48, of Cummersdale, has spoken of his gratitude to those who have supported his appeal.

He’s in need of a new basketball wheelchair which costs about £5,000.

He turned to the sport after a terrifying attack left him without the use of his legs. It helped both his physical and mental wellbeing.

Without a new wheelchair he will not be able to continue playing.

He shared his story in the News & Star last week and was surprised at the level of support he’d received - with more than £2,200 raised in about four days.

“I expected it to go up a little bit but not as it has. It’s great,” he said.

“Hopefully I will be able to have it for the next season.”

Neil, who is a support worker for United Response, was caring for a young man in Carlisle in 2009 when two men wearing balaclavas threatened him with a knife. They covered his legs and the stairwell he was standing in with petrol and set it alight.

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