A bit of ingenuity by members of the Newcastle Men’s Shed has made a world of difference for amputee Graeme James.

The local organisation recently installed a wheelchair ramp – complete with handrail – at the New Lambton resident’s home.

And, the group’s handiwork was given the “thumbs up” by the grateful man, who lost his right leg from cancer in 2016.

“I’m delighted with it,” Mr James said.

“It’s definitely made life easier for me – in fact, it’s changed it totally.

“I was in danger of falling over, so I really needed the ramp.”

Thankfully, a simple conversation with mate, and Newcastle Men’s Shed member, Mick Whatley kick-started the project.

“I mentioned to him that I was having some trouble,” Mr James said.

“To be honest, it was beginning to be a real safety hazard for me.

“So, when we spoke, Mick just replied: ‘that sounds like a job for the men’s shed’.

“He then came around with a couple of blokes, who measured the area.

“Not long after, about half a dozen of them installed the ramp and handrail.

“It’s been fantastic.

“Now, I’ve got greater freedom to enter my home and access my vehicle.

“I can’t thank the guys enough.”

Newcastle Men’s Shed secretary Wayne Grant said his band of merry labourers were only too happy to assist Mr James.

“It’s what we do – and we’re never short of work,” he told the Newcastle Weekly.

“Once the guys had the specifications, we designed and built the ramp at our premises.

“We then assembled and installed it over 10 days.

“Some local hoteliers, such as the Town Hall Hotel (Waratah) and Royal Inn Hotel (Waratah), donated money towards the work while the materials were supplied by Metroll (steel) and Bunnings (wood).

“The support from businesses has been great.”

Mr James is hoping for a few modifications in the near future, too, however that’s unlikely, according to Mr Grant.

“After using the ramp for a short period, Graeme asked us for a banked corner for a faster exit,” he added with a laugh.

“We could… but no was the answer.”

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