Welwyn Garden City firefighters help Mitchell fulfil footballing dream

Crew members at WGC’s Bridge Road East fire station will be making cars spick and span so Mitchell Gosling, who has cerebral palsy, can be the proud owner of a powered chair made specifically for sporting use.

Sixteen-year-old Mitchell, of Little Ley, WGC, has had the condition, which causes physical disability, since birth.

The Manchester United fan has always followed football, and now has ambitions to play for Evergreens, a powered wheelchair football team based in Watford.

Mitchell’s mum, Nicky Simson, a teaching assistant at Stanborough School in WGC, said: “It’s always been his dream to play football.

“We go to Watford every week and he sits on the sidelines and watches.

“If we raise enough money to buy the chair he will be able to join in.”

The ‘Storm’ model – ideal for the sport – costs �5,000 and, with a trailer for transportation needed, a �6,000 target has been set.

Nicky is hopeful that with the help of WGC’s firefighters and the generosity of local businesses and the public, they will be able to raise a life-changing sum of money for Mitchell, who attends Lonsdale School in Stevenage.

Dad Neil Simson will be DJ-ing throughout the event, to be held on July 10, so firefighters will be bopping while they’re washing.

This latest car wash follows a similar event organised by the fire station in September 2008.

The funds raised enabled seven-year-old Toby Addison, from Ploughmans End, WGC, to go on his dream holiday to America before a rare eye condition would make him blind.

Adrian Kimber, a firefighter at the WGC station, said: “All the firefighters here are going to join in on it.

“We would like to make it as successful as last time.

“We were overwhelmed by local businesses and people’s support and hopefully we can match that for Mitchell.”

To donate money to the cause or prizes for a raffle which will take place on the day email nickysimson_05@msn.com or contact WGC fire station on 01707 343500.