Walsall Football Club fan Ben Gilbert is hoping to go to University in the very near future and has ambitions of becoming an actor after completing his studies.Ben, who is from Burntwood, was all set to go to uni last September but has been forced to delay his application until he gets the powered wheelchair he needs to get around freely.
Now the young thespian has teamed up with national children’s charity, Caudwell Children, to raise the £7000 needed to help him achieve his dream.
Ben was born with quadriplegic cerebral palsy, a condition that affects the development of his muscles and makes him a full-time wheelchair user.
Speaking to the Lichfield Mercury, Ben spoke of how much a wheelchair will change his life he said; "Having to postpone university for a year was hard. Having a powered chair will help me reclaim my independence. Right now I use a manual chair which means I have to rely on my friends and family pushing me up hills.
"I'm a bit of a showman, so acting has always appealed to me and I can’t wait to get started at university in September. I have my auditions coming up soon so it’s a nervous time. Having the powered chair will be life-changing."
If you'd like more information, or wish to donate, you can visit Ben's JustGiving page HERE.