Leeds inventors call for new volunteers after award win

Brian and Agnes Wallwork have volunteered with Remap in the Leeds and Bradford area for around 15 years, and were honoured at the charity’s annual ceremony in London last week with a certificate.

But today, the Cookridge couple set up a display about their work in the 20p Shop on Kirkgate, Otley, to get new inventors on board after being invited by store owners Steve and Angela Nelson.

Mr Wallwork, 84, said: “We want to get enthusiastic, technical people who are interested in challenging problems.”

The award was given after the pair recently helped Pudsey mum Helen Page and her son.

Mrs Page has difficulty bending because she has fibromyalgia – a condition with known causes that leads to pain all over the body – meaning that getting her one-year-old son Caedmon in and out of a cot is very difficult. She contacted Remap – which provides free, bespoke equipment to help disabled people become more independent and enjoy life.

Mr Wallwork thought he could make a suitable cot a that also fitted Helen’s special request that it be like a lorry – something Caedmon loves.

A normal small bed was used as the starting point and a door was fitted at the end for an entrance – which Caedmon can go through himself once the latch is open, saving Mrs Page from lifting. Inside there is a steering wheel, gauges and ten sounds can be played.

Mr Wallwork said: “I enjoy the challenge of solving problems and helping disabled people to live a full life, as independently as possible.

People who want to help, and who ideally have a workshop, are asked to call 0113 2611 301.