A SEVEN-year-old boy from Basingstoke who has been diagnosed with a number of debilitating conditions has been able to venture out into his back garden for the first time, thanks to a project funded by property and construction companies.

Rueben Boyd suffers with several conditions including hydrocephalies, cerebral palsy, global disorder and blindness, meaning he is restricted to a wheelchair and has up until recently been unable to access his garden due to steps and an uneven pathway.

The Teddy Bear Run, which is a fundraising organisation that helps to support families with children who are terminally ill or have life-limiting conditions across the UK, organised a project to rejuvenate Rueben’s garden in order to make it more wheelchair friendly.

It received financial support for the project from a number of property and construction companies, as well as a donation of building materials from David Wilson Homes and DG Construction Group.

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Rueben’s mum, Polly Boyd, said: “Our new garden, which now has level access, means that Reuben will have a better quality of life and be able to enjoy himself in the summer months using his swing and doing hydrotherapy.

“As a family, he will be included in these various activities and enjoy these little things in life that mean everything to him. That we are very grateful for this to have happened.” 

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As part of the rejuvenation project, which took place across three days from January 20 to 23, employees from David Wilson Homes and DG Construction Group along with many Teddy Bear Run volunteers, built a paved ramp leading up to the kitchen door from the garden to enable easy access to the outside area for Reuben.

David Wilson Homes Southern managing director Campbell Gregg said: “It’s a real privilege to be able to help sponsor and build a new garden for Reuben. The Teddy Bear Run is such a fantastic organisation, and the work they do to help support children and families who are suffering with serious illnesses is extremely valuable.”

DG Construction Group managing director Dean Grimes said: “As a close supporter of The Teddy Bear Run, it is an absolute honour to be able to assist with this garden makeover and to be able to create a tranquil environment for Reuben and his family which they can enjoy for years to come."