apetito staff raise money for a motorised wheelchair

 Two years after Trowbridge-based Kevin Watson was seriously injured in an unprovoked attack in the town, he has been given a new motorised wheelchair to aid his mobility.

Kevin, who had been a member of the apetito Pie Site team since November 2004, had access to a Viper mobility scooter during hospital visits and found the freedom it gave him invaluable but the £4,500 price tag proved prohibitive to purchase.

However, Kevin’s friends and colleagues at Trowbridge-based apetito have now raised the full amount.  Employees hosted various events including a raffle at their summer party, which Kevin and his family attended, an auction of prizes and a donation of money won through a Team Working Awards evening.  Management at the company then donated the difference to ensure Kevin had his wheelchair in time for Christmas.

“apetito has offered such tremendous support to me and my family over the past year,” says Kevin.

“Despite the life changing events, it is so good to know that my friends and colleagues from my old company are still there for me both financially and emotionally.

“Without their generosity, it would have taken a really long time to find the money - it now means I can now not only continue with my rehabilitation but regain more independence and make plans for 2010.”

Paul Freeston, chief executive, apetito, had the following to say;

“Kevin is a valued member of our team and his cheerful ways in the Pie Site are missed, so we’re just glad we could help.  It was important for his colleagues to do something constructive and we are delighted to be able to fund something that will aid his rehabilitation and well-being.”

32 year old Kevin spent 6 weeks in a coma and months in hospital following the attack in October 2007 which caused damage to his brain stem and has resulted in ongoing paralysis and dependency on a wheelchair. Now, just 2 years after his ordeal, he has made huge progress and is currently a resident at Glenside Manor, a specialist neurological rehabilitation centre in Salisbury, Wiltshire.

“Glenside has been instrumental in my recovery – my speech and movement have improved tremendously and the support that the centre has given to me and my family phenomenal.  What happened to me was devastating but the support and friendship around me has gone a long way to aiding my recovery.”