Hurlford war veteran given boost with new wheelchair

Jun 12 2009 by Lizzie Struthers, Kilmarnock Standard

WAR veteran James Hamilton has been given a new lease of life with a motorised wheelchair.

The 86-year-old widower felt the crippling arthritis in his right arm and legs had made him a prisoner in his own home.

James, better known as Bud, relied on family members to take him out and about by pushing him in a wheelchair.

The community rallied round to buy the well-kent Hurlford man a battery-powered chair so he could go out by himself.

The Rotary Club of Loudoun donated £500 and Hurlford and Crookedholm Community Council added £300 to buy a motorised wheelchair for Bud.

Bud, who worked for Howie’s brickwork in the town for 39 years, said: “The new wheelchair is really great. The biggest benefit is being able to go where and when I want.”

The great grandfather, who has never driven a car, joked: “When I get out there I feel positively brilliant, like racing driver Lewis Hamilton.”

He can be seen motoring along to the shops or the library in the town.

Bud loves reading books about military history and aviation books.

He served five years in the RAF from 1941 and was posted in South Africa, India and Burma.

A keen bowler for 50 years, he wants to use his new wheels to visit friends at Hurlford bowling club.

Rotary club president Ian Morrison said: “We were delighted to be able to help out with a donation. “The wheelchair had been modified to suit Bud who is delighted with his new found mobility.”

Hurlford and Crookedholm Community Council help provide mobility scooters to the elderly and disabled in the town.

Community councillor Jean Templeman said: “Bud is a lovely gentleman who we were able to help by giving him his independence back.”