The best friend of a former paralympic swimmer from Co Tyrone is set to run the Dublin marathon to raise funds for a vehicle that would make him more independent.
Johnny Cummings from Coalisland was born with Phocomelia, a rare birth condition which affects his upper and lower limbs.
He has had to wear prosthetic legs for much of his life, but went on to have a successful swimming career where he represented Ireland at the Paralympic games.
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Due to wearing his prosthetic legs however, Johnny has dealt with serious back pain and now needs the use of a wheelchair.
Best friend of 25 years Shane McDonald is now running the marathon in October to raise funds to have Johnny’s vehicle adapted so he is able to get around, as he is not entitled to financial support for this.
“Johnny’s back has slowly deteriorated resulting in a lot of pain and restricting his ability to walk,” Shane said.
“Johnny now mostly uses an electric wheelchair which gives him some form of normality.
“Currently Johnny needs a new vehicle that can take and transfer his electric chair which will allow him to drive and continue to lead an independent lifestyle.
“However this is expensive and Johnny is not entitled to financial support as his wife works full-time. I’m asking for help for Johnny to get the adaptations needed for his new vehicle which will allow Johnny and his family to enjoy the simple everyday things of life.”
More than £3,000 has been raised so far as part of the fundraiser, and Shane paid tribute to his best mate who he describes as a family man.
“Johnny is just the most modest, quiet and down to earth lad you could meet,” Shane added.
“There’s no airs or graces about him and he’s very much a family man. So it annoys him not to be able to take the kids to school or help out like that.
“He never complains and did not ask for this. I have been his friend for more than 25 years years and can see the pain he is in daily.
“I know directly first hand this will help Johnny physically and mentally and allow him to do things we all take for granted.”
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