Keep Terry Gleeson Independent

Terry has Cerebral Palsy so his lower legs are paralysed. He is 57 and married to me, Tess. We have two children, Maddy aged 14 and Darcy aged 11. Terry has always maintained his independence through sheer determination and perseverance. His life has been one of limited walking ability (30m), falls and pain. He has continued to work, without receiving any government pensions or benefits and he has paid for all his healthcare costs as required. He has financially supported his family and we have both worked hard to make ends meet.

Not letting the disability get in his way, Terry trained as a Cabinetmaker in 1976. Woodwork is in his blood, we say it’s genetic. He set up his own workshop in 1982 because getting a job in a trade with a disability proved difficult. It is now a woodwork school because he can’t physically make furniture anymore. We found out in February that he has multiple tears in his tendons, tendon weakness and muscle atrophy; that this is chronic and will not heal. His legs can’t hold him up anymore and this new pain and decreased in mobility is permanent.

Terry will now need to use the wheelchair most of the time. He needs to keep working and so we need to modify the workshop, house and car. Standard wheelchairs are too low and deep so we have decided to buy a seated Segway wheelchair. They are adjustable to any height and are shallow at the front. It will keep Terry working at the bench, maintain his independence, sense of purpose and financial security. He would be lost without his work and workshop. It’s a true vocation and like the rest of us, he has every right to continue with his choice of work. We estimate these modifications will cost about $30 000.

Second hand Segway: $10 000
Segway wheelchair modification kit: $6 000
Car modifications and driving lessons/test: $8000
Workshop modifications: $5000
House modifications: $2000

I should also add that even though he has faced challenges every single day to work and keep moving, Terry has also volunteered for several organisations. He is a former Chairperson and committee member of the NSW Woodworkers Association. He ran the St Albans Folk Festival for ten years from 1989 to 1999. He has been a woodwork judge at the Sydney Royal Easter Show and has assisted where he can at many school P&C events.

So we are aiming to raise $30 000 to keep Terry working and independent. If you feel you can support us in this endeavour please make your donation today. We are very grateful for your support. Visit Terry’s website to see the wonderful work he does and wants to continue: www.terrygleeson.com.au or Terry Gleeson’s School of Woodwork on Facebook.