Wearside company help give disabled boy the bedroom of his dreams

Keaton Oakes, who has cerebral palsy, struggles to get around his Houghton home in his wheelchair.

The 10-year-old, who needs help with everyday activities like eating, bathing and dressing, has been using the downstairs dining room as his bedroom for the past year.

His parents Darren and Romana have planned to convert the garage into Keaton’s new room for some time, but without space to store his specialist equipment, including hoists, they have been unable to go ahead with the work.

But now, the Sunderland branch of Mobile Mini, which hires out portable storage, has stepped in.

Darren, who works as a dispatcher for the company, years, was overjoyed when his colleagues offered to help.

The donated Mobile Mini storage container, which is in the front garden of the family home, provided the storage space needed to complete the renovation without seriously disrupting everyday life for Keaton, his older brother George, 12, younger brother Oliver, six, and their pet dog, Oscar.

Darren said: “We simply didn’t have enough space to get renovations started, as the garage was full of vital equipment and furniture for Keaton. The storage container enabled us to keep everyday life as normal as possible for Keaton while work on his new bedroom took place.

“His new room has everything Keaton needs, including his own bathroom and special hoists to get him to the bath. I cannot thank my colleagues at Mobile Mini enough, the new bedroom will make a huge difference to our little boy, improving his quality of life and giving him room to develop.”

Zoe Brookes, marketing director at Mobile Mini in Sunderland, added: “We’re delighted to help our friend and colleague Darren and his family. After hearing of the family’s struggle during a branch meeting, we wanted to assist Keaton and improve his living arrangements. We’ve now delivered the container, completely free of charge, so the renovation can get underway.

“We’re a close knit team here at Mobile Mini and proud that we’re able to help our colleague make such a life changing difference for his family. We look forward to seeing Keaton’s new room once it’s finished.”