An Aberdeen minister has made an impassioned plea for funding to install a new wheelchair lift in his church for one of the congregation.
John Turner, who is paralysed below the waist, began attending Woodside Parish Church two years ago.
Kind-hearted members of the congregation pay for a taxi to take the 57-year-old to the kirk every week, but now a fundraising appeal has been launched to make the church hall more accessible for Mr Turner.
Rev Markus Auffermann, who is leading the call, said that after a recent charity event it became clear the current lift was no longer fit for purpose.
He said: “We just had our Christian Aid Soup Sunday and for us it was heartbreaking that we were not able to get one of our newer members down to the hall for the soup lunch since he is bound to his wheelchair and can’t leave it at all.
“As a regeneration area church in a poorer part of Aberdeen we don’t have the finances – but if we could get a wheelchair lift
built into our premises people like John could finally also participate in our social events and not only our services.
“It is very sad and a disgrace that committed and faithful disabled people like John can’t participate in the whole life of the church because we don’t have the funds to pay for a proper lift and get it installed.
“We already pay every Sunday for the wheelchair taxi that gets John to our church and also takes him home afterwards.
“This already stretches our finances but we do it gladly and happily. If we can receive any financial or at least logistic and spiritual support on how to get a lift for the church we would greatly appreciate it.”
Mr Turner was paralysed after a botched operation on his spine.
He said visiting the church was one of the highlights of his week.
He said: “I had an operation done on my spine and woke up paralysed below my legs.
“It’s totally changed my life and now I barely leave the house.
“Everyone at the church is so kind and really care for me. I really like going.”
To donate, send a cheque to Rev Markus Auffermann, Woodside Parish Church of Scotland, Church St, Woodside, Aberdeen, AB24 4HQ.