Imagine ...

You were born with Cerebral Palsy.

There is nothing wrong with your mind, but your legs are so thin and stiff they cannot support you. You have never walked a step in all your 23 years.

Your arms and hands too, are virtually useless and you struggle to speak clearly.

People you meet for the first time don't look you in the eye. They can't understand what you're saying and they turn away quickly, embarrassed and unsure how to respond to you; they think you are intellectually impaired.

It hurts.

Fortunately, if you are Solly [not his real name], you have a loving and supportive family, including two small nephews who accept you as you are. They know you have a bright and enquiring mind and more than your share of courage and determination.

Together, you find inventive ways of overcoming the communication gap. You learn how to write text messages on your cell phone, through which you can communicate effectively with those who struggle to understand your halting speech.

And you receive a gift that literally sets you free – a motorised wheelchair from the Rachel Swart Fund.

Within hours you master the one-handed controls. Now, you can go anywhere you want to go on your own!

Using the disabled bus service and your cell phone, you can arrange to be picked up from home and taken into town.

You can go to the Rachel Swart Fund year end function on your own, meet new people and make new friends.

Life will never be perfect, but you do have a life.

Could you give a new life to someone like Solly? It's easier than you think. If you have a credit card, a little cash to spare and a compassionate heart, please click here.