28 January 2025
Above: Scarbrough Court’s Facilities Assistant, Philip Armstrong, gifts local man Terry Black a motorised mobility scooter.
They say a simple act of kindness is what makes a community. Whether it is having a chat over a cup of tea or coffee, volunteering or fundraising for a good cause; acts of kindness can make the world a happier place for everyone.
Facilities Assistant, Philip Armstrong at Scarbrough Court, in Cramlington, has shown how a good deed can really transform someone’s life when he responded to a local man’s request. He donated a motorised mobility scooter to help Terry Black, aged 68, to become active again.
Terry, who lives in the local community, used to be very active and outgoing. However, due to a sudden changes in his health, he was no longer able to drive and get out and about like he used to following treatment.
Terry decided to reach out on the community group chat to see if he could loan an electric wheelchair. Philip, who has worked at Scarbrough Court for almost nine years, responded back to say the care home could donate a motorised mobility scooter to help Terry become independent again Terry was surprised and instantly filled with gratitude.
He says:
The gift of a scooter has changed my life. I liken it to Cinderella and her fairy godmother. There was no purpose in my first adventure out only that I could. I did not have to book a taxi or ask a neighbour for help.
He adds:
The freedom was complete joy! One forgets how kind strangers can be. The last few days have seen my whole world open up again.
Previously, Terry worked as an Assistant Set Decorator, and has done many productions including sets in the Freemasons Hall, in London. He had the honour of meeting some famous celebrities including Meryl Streep and Hugh Grant. He retired early to care for his mother who was living with dementia.
Philip Armstrong, Facilities Assistant at Scarbrough Court mentions,
When I saw the post from Terry in the local community group, I knew we had a scooter available at the Home, which could really make a difference for him. After giving the scooter a little fine tuning and undertaking a few safety checks, it was amazing to be able to help give Terry his independence back so he could get around town again.
[Summary: Scarbrough Court’s Facilities Assistant, in Cramlington kindly donated a motorised mobility scooter to help a local man to become active again.]