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 Sometimes it seems that there are very few acts of human kindness or feel-good stories around. Especially when you read of situations such as that experienced by 31-year-old Kelly Miller – as reported in last week’s CoastRider. Kelly, who has Cerebral Palsy, had her wheelchair stolen rom outside her parents’ house at Panorama Golf, despite being well known in the community. However, in this case there is a happy ending and thanks to a kind hearted Samaritan, Kelly now has a brand new wheelchair.
Kelly’s story shocked and outraged the local community – and touched many heartstrings. Several people contacted the CoastRider after they read of Kelly’s plight including the HELP shop in San Miguel and several members of the public offering advice or a secondhand chair. Lee from The Rendezvous Bar also called to say they would be hosting a fundraising event for Kelly.
However, it was the Khan family that took matters into their own hands and came to Kelly’s rescue. John Khan, his wife Nikki and son Nadeem - who run family business Heatwave Promotions – were in the car listening to local radio station TKOfm. CoastRider editor Aoife Leddy was on air running through last week’s stories and highlighted the spiteful and senseless theft of the wheelchair.
John said: “We all heard the story and we were all surprised that people could do such a thing to a disabled girl. Nadeem asked if we could do something to help and we all decided that would be great.”
John called the CoastRider and said his family would like to replace the stolen chair outright as a donation. Of course, it was exactly the response that the paper had hoped the Millers would get and couldn’t wait to call them.
Dad Craig said: “I was surprised when the reporter Mireille called as it was such a quick response. We hoped that a local bar might hold a fundraiser or someone might allow us to borrow a chair for a while, but never did we imagine that someone would buy a new chair for Kelly. We were really touched by the kindness of the Khans.”
During the conversations that followed it became apparent that Kelly was visiting the UK the day after for treatment and would be gone for sometime and would have to take her heavy, old and rickety wheelchair. Once again the Khan family sprang into action and arranged to have the new chair collected from Alicante and brought to the Millers house the night before so Kelly and Mom Sue would find the travelling much easier.
The Khans arrived at the Millers to present Kelly with her new chair and she was truly thrilled. The model is lightweight and has double padding for extra comfort. It is easy to fold and can be adjusted as needed - and its black and chrome finish is perfect for a young woman about town.
John said: “As entertainment promoters we work here on the coast and it was a pleasure to be able to give something back to the local community. We wish Kelly all the very best and every happiness for the future.”
… And so say all of us here at The CoastRider too.
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