A teenager has raised hundreds for a friend’s wheelchair adaptations.

Rebecca Patten, 17, struck up a friendship with Carl Andersson during her time volunteering with Support 4 Sight, the charity which supported her brother after he went blind.

The pair met at the charity’s coffee mornings and support group in Braintree and became great friends.

Rebecca became aware Mr Andersson, 70, needed adaptations to his new wheelchair and decided to fundraise for him.

She set out doing odd jobs, baby sitting and dog walking around her area to raise money.

Donors included Notley High School, Braintree Sixth Form where Rebecca studies, and her family and friends, taking the grand total to almost £650.

Mr Andersson, from Witham, said: “I am so very touched by what Bex has done for me. She is such a very special young lady and I am very grateful.

“Without her help there is no way I could have funded the wheelchair adjustments myself.

“Now, when the wheelchair has been worked on I will be able to speak to people face to face for the first time in many years, which means so much to a deafblind person.

“Also, I can go shopping independently and reach higher shelves without assistance.

“I have had many things taken from me with my health issues, but preserving my independence is a huge thing and now, thanks to Bex, I’ll be able to hold on to it a while longer – bless her heart.”

The adaptations will enable Mr Andersson not to become isoloated and carry on living as independently as possible.

Rebecca said: “Carl is a lovely man and a very hard working volunteer for Support 4 Sight.

“We have become great friends.”

The Support 4 Sight charity provides information, support and advice to people with sight loss, to help them remain independent.

For information or to set up a fundraising activity, phone Laura on 01799 588897 or email laura@support4 sight.org.uk.