WEIPA man Les Borthwick is well on his way to receiving a new set of wheels albeit on a mobility scooter – thanks to the generosity of Far Northern locals.
Federal MP Warren Entsch launched an appeal for Mr Borthwick last month after hearing about his traumatic series of surgeries that resulted from what should have been a routine knee replacement.
After battling a super bug and major complications from the seven operations he has gone through, Mr Borthwick now has a metre-long steel rod in his leg and is restricted to a wheelchair.
“He has been in and out of hospitals in Cairns and Gordonvale for almost 24 months now, and would return to Weipa in a heartbeat but for his leg, which he can’t bend or put any weight on,” Mr Entsch explained.
As of November 6, the Les Borthwick Scooter Appeal had received donations totalling 40 per cent of the cost of the new mobility scooter, which is being provided by the Scooter Shed in Cairns.
“This is a fantastic response and I thank Far Northerners for digging deep for Les,” Mr Entsch said. “But the journey is not over yet Les has now had to leave hospital and is living in a unit in Edmonton temporarily while he continues to receive physiotherapy.
“He still wants to get back to Weipa as soon as possible and this is where he will really need the scooter, as otherwise he will be virtually housebound.”
People can contribute to Les’ scooter in the following ways:
By Post –
Send cheque to The Les Borthwick Scooter Appeal, C/- The Office of Warren Entsch MP Benevolence Account, PO Box 14, Bungalow QLD 4970.
By Direct Debit
BANK Cairns Penny Savings & Loans
ACCOUNT NAME – Office of Warren Entsch MP Benevolence Account
BSB 704 966
ACCOUNT 100 012 234
REFERENCE The Les Borthwick Scooter Appeal
“I strongly encourage anyone who can make a donation to do so,” Mr Entsch said. “The scooter is ready and waiting at the Scooter Shed and it would be fantastic if we can give it to Les by Christmas.”