“He’s normally busting to get here. He can’t get here fast enough,” laughed Mick Blanchard, the team’s disability services leader.

But travelling 3,000 km every month, including to Newcastle and four trips daily to and from Stroud, the toll on Merv the Merc is being felt only financially but physically, with increasing mechanical repairs encouraged by the state of the road, needing to be undertaken. Only last week the door covering the fuel access fell off in the middle of the drive. Added to its increasing burden is the noise at the back of the van, where Josh has to sit in his customised wheelchair in specially modified car restraints. 

“Sometimes we put headphones on him, to lessen the noise,” Mick said. 

“I’m sure he must get out sometimes with a pounding headache”.

Meeting Josh, it’s hard to discern his discomfort, as his welcoming smile is as wide as the doorway he needs to fit through on the specially modified vehicle. Signalling OK, he agrees to become the poster boy for the fundraising Cottage Ball being held this Friday November 13 from 6.30pm at the Gloucester Soldiers Club, the funds of which will help towards raising funds for Merv’s replacement. With $285,000 under its timing belt and counting, Merv is in dire need of retirement.

Funds have already been secured to modify a new vehicle, but over $60,000 is needed to purchase the car itself. So dress your best for a night of dancing to help the Neighbourhood Centre continue transporting clients like Josh and Corey to activities in which they can socialise and be happy. Tickets are $30 per person or $60 per family and can be purchased from Gloucester Health Foods, Town and Country and Bucketts Way Neighbourhood Group Inc.