A WOMAN with spina bifida has been given an electric wheelchair so she can go out on her own and gain her independence.

Tsehai Kemp, 31, from Padiham, has had 30 operations in her life and has lost a leg.

She and her friend, Rachel Emma, have been speaking for years about her getting an electric wheelchair, which inspired Rachel’s father, Ian Owens, to launch the fundraiser.

Burnley Golf Club held a tournament in aid of a powered wheelchair to relieve her dad, John, from always helping her get around.

Tsehai’s mother, Lynn, is also wheelchair bound while she is on dialysis, meaning her father, has been supporting the family whilst continuing to work.

She said: “I honestly don’t think I could put it into words.

“I have to pretty much rely on my dad for everything.

“It’s just good to be able to get around town instead of asking ‘can I go here and can I go there?’ “It’s so nice to be able to go out with my friends and walk my dogs - that was amazing.”

While organising the event, the organisers went into Affordable Mobility in Clitheroe who found her a top-of-the-range electric wheelchair to be sold at a lower cost so it could be covered by the monies raised by the fundraiser.

Tsehai added: “I just want to thank Ian and Nigel from the golf club and the people at Affordable Mobility. There are no words for how much this means to me.”

Mobility expert at Affordable Mobility, Oliver Clark said: “Tsehai could not wait to be able to take her dog out for a walk on her own, and simply go round a supermarket on her own without having to be pushed everywhere.

“This chair has granted her a freedom that most of us don’t even really consider as freedom, and from even spending a few minutes with her it makes you realise just how difficult some people have it, and the fact that they can still smile, laugh and be positive is an inspiration for us all when times get tough.”