An RAF veteran who suffers from painful physical conditions has heaped praise on the ‘junk’ inventions of a Reading engineer.

Carole Obray, from Caversham, lives with arthritis and fibromyalgia, making it difficult for her to operate a wheelchair and her sink taps.

Using an old tennis ball, a broom handle and some bolts, MakeAbility charity volunteer Robert Monk created an easy-to-grip wheelchair joystick and tap handles for her.

"I am over the moon with what the MakeAbility service has done for me - Robert and his colleagues are definitely 'Dragons Den' worthy," said Carole.

Reading Chronicle: Carol Obray using her tennis ball-mounted wheelchairCarol Obray using her tennis ball-mounted wheelchair

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“Not only the natty wheelchair controller, but also some tap conversions which allow me to use the sink so much more easily.

“I had tried endless designs you can buy, but none suited me as well as those which Robert made for me with a couple of bolts. The taps are fantastic - so simple but so effective.

MakeAbility design and build free bespoke gadgets and equipment for people in Berkshire with special needs or a disability where nothing suitable is available to buy.

Reading Chronicle: Carole's taps remodelled by MakeAbilityCarole's taps remodelled by MakeAbility

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These range from simple long-reach window openers and cornered access ramps to sophisticated electronic aides.

Robert said: “Although we often use recycled components, this is the first time that an old tennis ball and broom handle have come in so useful".