A young wheelchair user from Cambuslang will be able to fully enjoy her garden this summer – thanks to the effort of the local community.
Ruby Noble, 10, is unable to walk because of a chromosomal deletion.
The family garden is unsuitable for wheelchair use, meaning it has been difficult for Ruby, who is also non-verbal, to enjoy the outdoors as much as she and her parents would like.
Recently, the team from local firm T4S Scotland learned of the issue and decided that they wanted to help.
And in just one week, they completely overhauled the garden, making it much more compatible for wheelchair access, and leaving the Noble family stunned and delighted by the transformation.
Mum Cathy told the Reformer: “It was a big surprise when Donna (Stevenson, of T4S Scotland) said that they wanted to help, and I felt really privileged.
“The work has made a phenomenal difference because the garden was quite a mess.
“There’s no chance of Ruby accidentally tipping in her chair now. She was always having to be careful before.
“To be honest, we thought they would just tidy it up a bit but they have gone above and beyond that.
“Ruby can now go out in the garden and it gives her a little bit more independence too.
“Our other children really like it as well!”
Donna and her husband Jim first became aware of the Nobles because they purchase their annual Christmas tree from the couple’s other business, Elfy Trees, in Cambuslang.
Each year Jim and Donna aim to assist a worthy cause and this year they decided to help the family out in some way.
And after chatting with Cathy and her partner William they hit upon the idea of redeveloping their garden.
They held a fundraiser that netted £1400, with other local businesses chipping in with support.
Once the funding was complete, T4S Scotland dug out the garden, put in retaining walls, brought in McIntyre Fencing to lay decking and added artificial grass.
The end result is a beautiful, contemporary and accessible garden.
Jim only realised the impact the project had had when he saw photos of Ruby and her family enjoying the new surroundings.
He added: “It hit home then, because you are not really thinking about it at the time you are working.
“The community in Cambuslang have always supported us with our businesses, so we like to put something back into it when we can.”
VK Timber, JT Plant Hire, McIntyre Fencing, Joseph Leckie & Sons and Craigmarloch Nurseries were all involved in helping the project.
