Nonagenarian's hunt for wheelchairs for Uganda

John Hobbs has been searching for mobility equipment for the last three years

A 91-year-old man has collected more than 100 wheelchairs, sticks and walking frames to send to disabled people in Uganda in East Africa.

John Hobbs, who lives in Hartlepool, has spent the last three years searching markets and charity shops for mobility equipment which the NHS does not require to be returned.

This is then refurbished before being transported through the Kumi Community Foundation (KCF) in Darlington.

Mr Hobbs said he was "always trying to help people" and, being retired, had "plenty of time".

The nonagenarian said he now buys wheelchairs and walking sticks so frequently traders in his town know what he is looking for.

"The sellers save any mobility equipment for me and they charge me a reasonable price," he said.

"I get wheelchairs for £10 and they charge a set rate of two or three pounds for Zimmer frames.

"I must have donated well over 100 now."

Kumi Community Foundation volunteers distribute the equipment in Uganda

Mr Hobbs said he always goes out of his way to help people.

"I don't just try to help the people of Kumi," he says.

"I am retired now so I have plenty of time to do these things that other people might not be able to."

When he has collected one or two pieces of equipment, Mr Hobbs takes it to the West View Baptist Church in Hartlepool which then passes it to the KCF.

Foundation trustee Hannah Meesan has visited Kumi five times and said she found adults and children missing limbs from infections which would have been treated with antibiotics in the UK.

The KCF now works with PhysioNet, based in York, to send and distribute mobility equipment in the region.

Ms Meesan said Mr Hobbs had an "amazing" ability to find wheelchairs and walking frames.

"We love that he scours the market places and has his community finding and saving mobility equipment for him," she said.

"Every single bit of aid makes a huge difference to people's lives."