A WELL known Medowie family are in need of a helping hand.

After years of helping others, the Painter family have found themselves in need of some return help.

Dave and Val Painter, long term Medowie residents, recently sold their home to buy into a retirement village to give Dave an easier time in caring for his wife.

However, they have found a funds shortfall may make the transition impossible, and they risk losing everything.

Val suffers from a neurological disorder of the nervous system called Friedreich’s Ataxia.

This debilitating disorder has left her wheelchair bound for over 30 years, and she is now unable to do most basic things by herself.

Dave is the full-time carer for Val, and provides 24-hour care.

It has been a constant struggle for Dave to provide for Val with the quality care she requires, but they are thankful for assistance provided by some local homecare providers in the area.

The stress has taken a toll on Dave’s health, so the couple made the very difficult decision to downsize.

Their daughter Tanya told News Of The Area, “The decision to sell the family home was made to improve both their lifestyles, but unfortunately the house sold for a lot less than was needed to upgrade to the new property, due to additional cost of disability aids required to accommodate Mum.”

“For example, oversized light switches, hand rails in the bathroom, a wheelchair accessible hand basin, even the carpet had to be replaced to allow the wheelchair to move freely.”

“They will continue to negotiate with lenders to borrow the funds required, but at present it is not looking good for the full amount to be financed and this is why we are seeking help from the community,” she said.

Any amount donated will be used to help with the cost of moving, stamp duty and legal fees, the necessary upgrades to make the new property accessible and to generally improve their lifestyle.

Settlement is due to occur in late May 2017.

Dave Painter has been a long time caring resident of Medowie, always willing to lend a hand.

One Medowie resident, Zena Drummond, told News Of The Area, “When I was learning to drive, Dave took me for lessons in his own car, and wouldn’t take a cent.”

“He just wanted me to be able to get my licence and see me succeed.”

“They are such a giving family, and I’d love to see the community dig deep and help them out,” she said.

You can find this story on the family ‘Go fund me’ page at https://www.gofundme.com/medowie-couple-in-need-of-some-help.

By Rachael VAUGHAN