£30K raised to mobilise man paralysed in freak accident

LOCALS have raised more than£30,000 to buy a new adapted vehicle for a man paralysed in a freak accident years ago.

Kevin Christie broke his neck in 2004 after jumping into a paddling pool in Carnoustie.

He was left paralysed from the chest down, blind, and required a ventilator to assist his breathing overnight.

Now his local community, including long-time friend Yvette Anderson, have raised thousands through the Kevin Christie Fund to buy him a new adapted vehicle.

“It was a crazy mishap,” said Kevin, 48.

“One day, years ago, I thought I was going to be a bit of a smart arse and do an overhead somersault into a paddling pool and show off.

“Unfortunately I forgot to put my hands out and I landed on my head.

“At that point I broke my neck. Fortunately I can’t remember anything about it – I wasn’t even drinking, I hadn’t touched a drop. “I’ll not be doing that again.” Head fundraiser Yvette did not witness the accident, but she received a call about what had happened later in the day.

“It was quite a horrific time,” added Yvette, 46.

“It was just a freak accident.” The Kevin Christie Fund was launched soon after the accident to ensure Kevin maintained a good quality of life despite his injuries.

The fund has been used to buy Kevin his last car, an exercise bike and a table among other things.

His friends and family began fundraising for the new car in 2019.

Yvette said: “He had his last car for about 11 years, so it was getting quite old and needing replaced. I decided to do the Kiltwalk and started fundraising on Facebook and it just took off from there.

“Kev is from Carnoustie, so a lot of local fundraisers got involved – the Co-op did a raffle and folk started donating money here, there and everywhere.

“The Carnoustie Links Golf Course where Kev’s dad used to work donated a substantial amount, about £15,000.

“The money raised from the Kiltwalk came to more than £10,000 and the other efforts from locals brought the total amount to more than £30,000.”

The pandemic paused the search for an adapted vehicle for more than a year, until restrictions relaxed recently.

“We saw a good Volkswagen Caddy in Newcastle and went down to pick it up,” said Yvette.

“It’s already been adapted for his use – the first car he had needed adapting, but it’s much easier to buy a car that’s already been adapted.”

Kevin, who now lives in Monifieth, wants to thank the community for their kind efforts towards keeoing him on the road.

“I’m over the moon, it’s absolutely marvellous,” he said.

“I just want to thank everyone for their efforts and let them know it’s gone to a good cause.

“I’m really grateful – I’ve been out a couple of times and it’s just great.

“It’s got much better wheels than the wheelchair!”

Yvette, Kevin’s friend for more than 20 years, added: “It’s good for Kev to get out and about and go for a drive.

“It gives him more freedom.”

Kevin hopes the new car will help to improve his quality of life, as he has already been out to visit family and friends.

He said: “Hopefully the future is looking bright, and I can look forward with my eyes – even though they’re not working.”

a

lot

Kevin Christie with his new car, friend Yvette Anderson and his dad, Angus.