MP Angela Rayner has expressed her delight at the generosity of people who helped a constituent whose mobility scooter was destroyed in a blaze at his home in Ashton.
The family of Mohammad Shafique, who lives in the St Peter’s area, contacted Mrs Rayner, MP for Ashton and Failsworth, on Christmas Day after a fire at his home destroyed his mobility scooter leaving him with no means to get around.
Mrs Rayner started a crowdfunding campaign on Boxing Day to support the family and replace the mobility scooter. Donations started flying in straight away and the £1,200 target was reached within a few hours.
Helped by a £1,000 donation from Sacha Lord, Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham’s advisor on the night-time economy, the kindness of everyone who donated meant Mrs Rayner was able to order a new mobility scooter which was delivered to Mohammad on Friday (Jan 8).
A further £300 was raised which was given to Mohammad to help him get recover from the fire.
Mrs Rayner, Labour’s deputy leader, said: “The last nine months have been incredibly hard for everyone, so I’m overwhelmed at the kindness and generosity that people have shown in raising the money to replace the scooter.
“When I read Mr Shafique’s email on Christmas Day, it broke my heart, but I knew that our community would come together to help out someone in need.
“I’m so happy we’ve been able to help Mr Shafique and I want to thank everyone who donated.
“Throughout this crisis friends, neighbours and total strangers have come together in a show of solidarity and we will need all of that spirit in the weeks and months ahead as we continue to look after each other.”