ONE of Southend United’s most loyal followers will be boosted by a new power assisted wheelchair after a campaign by the Blues.

Liam Callaghan, 24, who lives in Shoebury, suffers with Quadriplegia Cerebral Palsy and is in dire need of a power-assisted wheelchair.

Quadriplegia cerebral palsy affects all four limbs of Liam’s body, making it hard for him to write, walk for long periods of time and it affects his speech.

Liam was diagnosed with cerebral palsy before he turned one but recently, life has become more of a struggle for both him and his mum, Maureen.

He is now becoming too heavy to manoeuvre around in his wheelchair on a day-to-day basis and simple tasks are becoming much harder to complete.

A power-assisted wheelchair would make life “100 times easier” for the pair of Blues fans who have been attending Roots Hall for almost 20 years.

Many Southend fans will recognise Liam from Roots Hall, especially those in the Fairfield BMW East Stand, where he has sat since his first game back in 1999.

And, with the campaign reaching its £5,000 target, Liam is in the process of acquiring the new wheelchair.

The fundraising campaign was boosted by the Echo, when we shared Liam’s story in March.

Liam was presented with a cheque ahead of the game against Bristol Rovers on Saturday, May 5.

A spokesman for Southend United said: “You may be aware that Southend United, Southend United Community and Educational Trust and the Shrimpers Trust were working together to raise £5,000 for Blues supporter Liam Callaghan. We are all delighted to announce that the target has been reached.

“The funds for Liam to purchase a power-assisted wheelchair are now in place and last Saturday, prior to the Bristol Rovers game, a cheque of £5,472 was presented to Liam.

“Liam’s love for both the game and the club has given him the encouragement needed to express himself and do things that he and others thought he would never do. The added help of the power-assisted wheelchair will go a long way to improving his love of football, as well as completing daily tasks. Thanks to everyone who donated and lent their support to the campaign.”