A SOMERSET youngster will be able to indulge his passion for the outdoors more easily thanks to a generous donation.

Travis Borrett-Smith, a nine-year-old member of the Yeovil branch of Foresters Friendly Society, has been presented with a new wheelchair by national president of the organisation, Michael Charlton-Hubble, in September.

The presentation took place at The Birchfield Community Centre, in Yeovil.

Travis’ mum, Ria Borrett, said: “Having permanent access to this special buggy will significantly help my son’s ability to get out and take part in everyday activities.

"I am grateful to Foresters for doing this for us and am so appreciative of the range of emotional and practical benefits on offer.”

The wheelchair was funded via use of a healthcare grant from the Yeovil branch of Foresters Friendly Society, Court 3024.

Foresters Extras is a unique range of benefits available to all Foresters Friendly Society members.

Part of the Foresters Extras benefits package is the Foresters Child Support Fund grant, which provides financial support to children who are disabled or who have special needs. Grants are also provided for children who have lost a parent, have parents who are disabled or who act as carers themselves.

Michael Charlton-Hubble, president of Foresters Friendly Society commented: “We provide a number of discretionary financial grants to help our members meet the cost of things like higher education, healthcare costs and convalescence assistance.

"The local branch has worked hard to raise this money and, from talking to the family, the new chair will help Travis to do the things he enjoys the most, like getting out into the woods and countryside.”