We’re bowled over by kindness of a stranger

Connor Moss, 18, of Bouldre-wood Road, Benfleet, who has cerebral palsy, was the recipient of a new hot tub, purchased with money donated to Castle Point Lions Club.

Cerebral palsy is caused by damage to the motor centres in the brain, and can lead to curving of the spine, muscle stiffness and mobility problems, which the bubbles from a hot tub can provide relief for.

The charity, based in Ship-wrights Drive, Thundersley, was given the donation by an anonymous sponsor, who left a legacy to vulnerable people in Castle Point.

Connor’s mother Sarah Moss, 41, said: “I am absolutely over the moon for him, because it has helped him so much with his mobility.

“He loves the water and when the weather was better he was going in it every day. While he is usually very happy, Connor can sometimes get frustrated and this really helps calm him down and relax him.

“I am just so pleased. I cannot thank the charity enough.”

Connor, who attends Glenwood School, in Rushbottom Lane, Thundersley, was diagnosed with cerebral palsy when he was two, after suffering from epileptic fits – a symptom of the condition – from the age of five months.

Volunteers from the charity delivered and installed the hot tub free of charge for the family.

Brian Stanbridge, 73, president of the Castle Point Lions Club, said: “We are all only too happy to help Connor and hopefully this hot tub will go a long way to helping with his condition and providing a great deal of relief for him. We are also grateful to the anonymous donor, who helped us raise the money and even asked us if that was enough.”

The same benefactor helped the charity raise nearly £5,000 in 2010 to buy vital fitness equipment for 27-year-old Chris Yeates, from Canvey.

Mr Yeates was left in a wheelchair after a car crash. It was hoped the equipment would not only aid his fitness, but also help him walk again.

For more information on the Castle Point Lions Club, visit www.lionsclubofcastlepoint.co.uk