Motorised gift for girl in wheelchair
Girl on wheelchair receives motorised upgrade thanks to ONE FM, Parkway East Hospital
It was her first time on a motorised wheelchair, but Alicia Choong, 12, was quick to figure out how it worked.
A smile spread across the girl's face as she moved herself along a walkway near her home.
The lightweight motorised wheelchair would be her first step towards independence as she goes to secondary school next year. It was presented to her by ONE FM's #1 Breakfast Show DJs on Monday.
Alicia has been on a wheelchair since Primary 4 and depends on her mother and classmates to get around.
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The New Paper featured Alicia for overcoming her odds and doing well for her PSLE in our Nov 26 issue. Her story was picked up by ONE FM's #1 Breakfast Show, who wanted to give her a "better set of wheels."
Executive producer and presenter of the show Andre Hoeden approached Parkway East Hospital, who agreed to sponsor the wheelchair.
Rehab Mart also gave a generous discount on the wheelchair, which would usually cost $2,650.
Her mother, who wanted to be known only as Madam Ke, 52, said: "Thankfully, her principal managed to convince her to get a motorised wheelchair for secondary school. This will allow her to be more independent in future."
Parkway East Hospital's chief executive officer, Mr Phua Tien Beng, said: "We were very touched by the story so when ONE FM approached us, we accepted readily.
"This is more than just a medical equipment, it gives her independence and empowers her to chase her dreams in future," he added.
Alicia hopes to get into Punggol Secondary, which is the nearest school from her home.
She said: "I hope to make new friends and get used to the environment on my (new) wheelchair."
This is more than just a medical equipment, it gives her independence and empowers her to chase her dreams in future.
- Mr Phua Tien Beng, Parkway East Hospital's chief executive officer
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