A MILFORD Haven woman is hoping to raise £3,000 to buy her severely disabled brother a new wheelchair.

Twenty-four-year-old Matthew Griffiths, from Milford Haven, has spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy, a condition that affects all his limbs and means he cannot feed, bathe or dress himself.

He lives with parents, who are his full-time carers, but leads a busy social life, spending three days a week at Portfield School in Haverfordwest, and three days a week at Value Independence in Charles Street.

Matthew’s current wheelchair is old, heavy and uncomfortable, and his sister Emma Clayton is trying to raise enough money to him a new electric wheelchair.

“A new chair would make a massive difference to his life, and ours,” said Emma, 27.

“He is in a lot of pain with his hips, and has undergone numerous painful operations to try to re-align his hips, which unfortunately have been unsuccessful.”

A new custom-fitted chair would mean Matthew could go on longer walks with his family and other carers, because they would not need to push him around all day.

“Matthew always has a smile on his face and makes friends with everyone he meets,” said Emma.

“He is really well-known locally, when we go down the street everyone says hi.”

If they hit their £3,000 target, Matthew’s family can also buy him a comfortable new recliner chair, so he can relax at home, and have enough to service the chairs when needed.

“Every donation no matter how small will help us to reach our target,” said Emma.

Almost £500 has been raised so far, and to help reach the total a charity darts event - Matthew's favourite sport to watch - will be held at the Kimberley pub on Sunday, January 29.

Registration is at noon, with a £2 fee to enter.

A bingo fundraiser will also take place at the Royal British Legion Club on Thursday, February 16, at 7pm.

To help, visit justgiving.com/crowdfunding/matthewsnewchair.

Cash donations and raffle prizes can also be left at the Kimberley, and cheques can be made payable to Emma Clayton and sent to 48 Prioryville, Milford Haven SA73 2JR.