A DESPARATE mother has launched a plea to get her long-suffering son a new electric wheelchair.

Dominic Lee, who celebrated his 40th birthday on Saturday, has suffered from spina bifida since birth which has left him unable to walk.

Now his electric wheelchair is nearing the end of its usage, which also suffered damage during a nightmare holiday earlier this year, the family are asking for help to raise the £6,000 needed to buy a new one.

Mum Dorothy said: “He is paralysed from the waist down and he cannot step or walk.

“He has been in a wheelchair all his life.

“We have got an electric wheelchair but it is eight years old and is not going to last much longer.

“£6,000 is a lot of money and we are going to need help to afford it.

“I know there are a lot of people in Colchester who are struggling to afford wheelchairs.

“He was born this way so why can he not be given one?”

Dominic became a recognisable face in Colchester as he defied his physical problems to work in McDonalds on Cowdray Avenue for 17 years and has competed several times in the Colchester Fire Swim.

Dorothy said: “The children used to love him, because Dominic is very good with kids.

“The problem is if he does not have an electric wheelchair then it is very difficult for him to get out and about.

“At times he has to sit in bed all day because of how difficult it is for him to move around.

“He cannot do a lot of things by himself.

“He is in constant pain but likes to go into town and go to bingo but it is so difficult without an electric wheelchair.

“I cannot push him and carry around shopping - it is just impossible.

“The problem with spina bifida is your symptoms do not stay the same - they get worse as you get older.”

Anyone who is willing to pledge money should call 07885 626683.