SHANEKeating is set to enjoy a Christmas to remember thanks to the big hearted Shaw and Crompton community.
A DIY SOS style project is transforming the back garden of the family home in Dorset Avenue to provide the 10-year-old youngster with a safe and secure space to play out.
With cash from a string of fundraising events organised by Higher Crompton Conservative Club and the help of trades people from Oldham and Tameside, Shane’s dream is becoming reality.
A pupil at St Joseph’s School in Shaw, Latics fan Shane suffers from life-limiting muscle wasting Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.
And for dad John and mum Gill there are finally happier times on the horizon for the youngest of their three sons.
Work to create a safe environment for Shane to play in, with provision for his wheelchair and an artificial turfed zone, is almost complete.
“We know John would have done the work himself,” said Stuart Lomas, a Conservative Club committee member.
“But on his own it probably wouldn’t have been finished until next May or June.
“Now, if the weather isn’t too bad, we are probably only 10 days or so from finishing and Shane will be able to get out and play.
“Before, he would have been black and blue had he fallen on the paving.”
The Keatings have been embroiled in a battle with Oldham Council over the adaption of their family home from a bungalow to two-storey property for several years.
“Everybody at the club was aware of the situation,” explained Stuart who has driven the findraising with steward, Les Whittle.
“We spoke at the beginning of the year what we might be able to do and it was mentioned about a possible holiday.
“There was also a suggestion to send Shane to an England game and to have a tour of Wembley.
“In the end, we decided to raise money to adapt the house so Shane could play out.”
A total of five fundraisers were held from a charity football match, a golf day, bowling tournament and race afternoon. Their efforts eventually amassed £4,300.
With money in the pot the next stage of the plan was put in place. Chadderton based D&J Builders have reconstructed the ramps for Shane’s motorised wheelchair, the Astro turf has come via Colin Bickley Carpets of Failsworth with extra support from Joseph Parr and Sykes Bespoke Steel.
“We are really glad this is nearly done now so Shane can be where he wants to be outdoors,” added Stuart. “He is getting his football pitch back.”