A kind, honest mechanic can be invaluable, especially in a small country town of just under five-and-a-half thousand people. In this case, a local mechanic’s skills saved the day and provided a wheelchair-bound child with the vacation of a lifetime.
Nine-year-old Cooper Greenwood from Sydney has Aicardi-Goutières Syndrome, a rare condition akin to cerebral palsy. While enjoying an outback adventure around Northwest Australia’s Kimberly region in a motorhome, his electric wheelchair broke down. This chair was essential for Cooper, allowing him the freedom to explore and enjoy life. Without it, his mother noted, he became frustrated and withdrawn.
Determined not to let the breakdown ruin their trip, Cooper adapted by hitching rides with his dad in a special backpack. As the family prepared for the next leg of their journey, they turned to social media, seeking help in the small town of Kununurra, Western Australia. They asked if anyone could repair sophisticated electric wheelchairs. Fortunately, someone recommended Mick Scott, a local mechanic.
“When they brought it in, I took a quick look and saw the size of the chair. I thought it must belong to a really young fella,” Mr. Scott recounted to ABC News. He quickly assessed the situation and realized the urgency of the repair.
Mr. Scott got to work immediately, diagnosing the issues with the wheelchair’s electrical system. He meticulously repaired the wiring and replaced a damaged battery, ensuring that Cooper’s chair would be safe and functional. Within a few hours, he had the wheelchair back in working order.
When the Greenwoods returned to pick up the chair, Cooper’s face lit up with joy. His mother expressed immense gratitude, saying, “Mick didn’t just fix a wheelchair; he restored Cooper’s independence and happiness.
” With the wheelchair repaired, the Greenwood family was able to continue their adventure through the breathtaking landscapes of the Kimberly region. Cooper was thrilled to regain his mobility, exploring the beautiful surroundings and participating in activities he had missed while the chair was out of commission.
This is no doubt a heartwarming reminder of the impact a kind mechanic can have on a family’s life. Thanks to Mick Scott’s quick thinking and expertise, Cooper was able to enjoy the vacation of a lifetime, proving that sometimes, heroes come in the form of skilled tradespeople who care deeply about their community.