Community efforts ensure a safe summer for Daniel

A blind youngster from Thorniebank will soon have a safe garden in which to play — thanks to a huge effort of good-will from the community.
Peter Hobson and John McLaren dig deep alongside Russell MacMillan (centre)Peter Hobson and John McLaren dig deep alongside Russell MacMillan (centre)
Peter Hobson and John McLaren dig deep alongside Russell MacMillan (centre)

Daniel McCarrey (9) was exposed to falls and trips in a garden that was “like a jungle”, according to mum Sinead.

She told The Extra: “Daniel has had to be kept indoors a lot as trees and rocks throughout the garden are dangerous obstacles for someone with his condition.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Daniel suffers from a condition which means he has a severely reduced sense of danger.

He is also registered blind, which affects his ability to steer clear of obstacles.

Luckily, East Renfrewshire companies stepped in this summer and demolished an asbestos-ridden garage and resurfacedthe area after word got out about the boy’s predicament.

The project was co-ordinated by Russell MacMillan, of East Renfrewshire Good Causes.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Daniel’s father, Stephen, had appeared on an ITV1 game show in 2011, winning £121,000 for ER Good Causes — a charity which has helped over 1,100 people in the area.

Russell said: “Initially it seemed that the cost might be too high, as the council could only help so much — but many companies kindly came forward in a combined community effort.

I’m very pleased that young Daniel will now have a safer area to play outside.”

Neilston Community Repair demolished the garage in the garden after asbestos had been safely removed by specialists Damada.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

John McLaren and Peter Hobson also worked to clear away trees.

Mum, Sinead, who works in the third sector with ENABLE East Renfrewshire, added: “I would like to acknowledge and thank all the companies who have worked so hard.

“Daniel is looking forward to getting out inthe open air this summer and it will be much more secure for him.

“We’re also grateful to ER Good Causes for organising such a kind project.”

Related topics: