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Man with extremely rare condition racing to raise funds for a new wheelchair
Overview
Corey Haseley, a 31-year-old man from Telford with a rare, life-limiting condition called Optic Atrophy Plus Syndrome Mitochondrial Disease OPA1, has three months to raise funds for a new wheelchair. Having been given a £1,570 grant by local wheelchair services that expires in three months, he needs to raise over £5,000 in total for a lighter, posture-suited chair that will help maintain his independence.
Key points
- Corey Haseley has a rare mitochondrial disease and was not expected to live beyond the age of 19.
- He is thought to be the only person in the world with his specific condition, which has left him blind and suffering from fatigue, muscle spasms, and epilepsy.
- His current wheelchair is failing, with issues including falling wheels and a detached footplate.
- Local wheelchair services have offered a £1,570 grant, but the total cost of the required lightweight wheelchair is over £5,000.
- He has three months to raise the remaining money before the funding grant expires.