Food has never tasted so again

BISCUITS have never tasted better to 66-year-old Gerringong man Selwyn Mace.

Struck down with Guillain Barre an acute conditions that attacks the bodys nervous system causing paralysis more than two years ago Mr Mace has been totally reliant on hospital staff for his day-to-day care.

Feeding himself had been a fading memory until recently when a former engineer came to his aid to design and build a feeding device that allows him some semblance of independence at meal times.

The device consists of a drink holder and customised food-holding chute which, with limited movement, allows Mr Mace to be able to enjoy the simple act of feeding himself by moving a lever toward his mouth.

The drink holder is the perfect size to take an ice cream cone, explained Selwyn, who now lives at Gerringongs Mayflower Retirement Village during his rehabilitation.

The holes around the top catch any drips.

It has been just wonderful to be able to have some independence back.

The device was designed and made by Towradgi man Col McIntyre.

A semi-retired TAFE teacher and former industrial engineer is one of a small number of volunteers who offer their services to an organisation called Technical Aids to the Disabled (TAD), which provide customised disability aids.

Mr McIntyre said the ability to build something which enriches the life of another was just as rewarding for him.

The more I do this type of thing, the more I realise just how much we as able-bodied people take things like our independence for granted.

Its a very rewarding experience to be able to give back to the community which is something I wanted to do in my retirement, said Mr McIntyre.

Selwyn has enjoyed a beer watching the footy and now makes ice-cream eating a regular treat thanks to his newfound independence.

Thats the biggest thing, not having to rely no the nursing staff to feed me every mouthful."

The TAD organisation which will this year celebrate 25 years of innovative work with disabled people - is in desperate need of volunteers to carry out modification and device construction for people with disabilities.

Anyone willing to help out - especially those with prior engineering or welding experience - should contact the Illawarra arm of the organisation by calling Ken Kirwood on 4229 4248.