Sanctuary Point’s Ashton Palmer, 10, needs a wheelchair accessible van, so that he can use his powered wheelchair at school excursions, family outings and medical appointments.

Ashton lives with Duchenne’s Muscular Distrophy, a lifelong progressive neuromuscular condition.

“He has no independence without his powered chair,” carer Kiri Chatfield said.

“I can wheel him around on a manual wheelchair but he can’t move it.”

Also, lifting Ashton into the car is proving to be more difficult for Kiri.

Ashton lives with his aunty and uncle, and the family depends on a single income – his aunty also cares for Ashton.

Ashton’s family had hoped to modify a Kia carnival, but the National Disability Insurance Scheme will not fund modifications made to cars more than three years old.

So they are fundraising to buy a 2014 model that will cost $42,500.

So far, they have raised $11,000.

The Greville Corner Store in Sanctuary Point will host a fundraiser for Ashton’s family on Saturday, December 16 from 1-3pm.

There will be Santa photos, face painting and a jumping castle.

If you would like to make a donation, contact Kiri on 0404909347, or drop into the Sanctuary Point Bendigo Bank and drop funds into Ashton’s account.