DHSS DOES U-TURN ON SUZANNES MOTABILITY DECISION
DHSS DOES U-TURN ON SUZANNE'S MOTABILITY DECISION
BY: JOHN McCUSKER
BOMB victim, Suzanne Kelly, this week offered thanks to the 'Herald' after welfare authorities reversed a decision which prevented her from obtaining a Motability car.
Last week, the paper highlighted the plight of the young student teacher who - despite losing her leg in the bombing - was refused a car under a scheme which provides vehicles for the disabled.
But within hours of being contacted, DHSS officials decided she did qualify for the Motability scheme after all.
And this week the 21-year-old was looking forward to taking delivery of her gleaming new Citroen Saxo.
The DHSS climbdown came after they announced a special 'fast-track' register had been set in place to deal with bomb victims' claims.
Despite her disability, Suzanne had originally only been granted Disability Living Allowance for two years. In order to qualify for the Motability scheme, recipients must be registered for three years or over.
After being turned down, she rang DHSS officials in Belfast, but was told she could have to wait up to three months to learn if her appeal against the decision was successful.
Speaking from her home at Brackenvale this week, she said she felt both "relieved and delighted" that the authorities had speeded up her claim.
"The DHSS first contacted my social worker and told her they were now prepared to award me what I was looking for.
"They then phoned me and apologised for the delay and told me they were prepared to give me DLA for the next four years instead of the original two.
"I asked them why the sudden change of heart and they said mine was a special case and everything possible was being done for the victims.
"I can't understand why they just couldn't do this in the first place" she added.
The announcement capped off a week of celebrations for the delighted student, who turned 21 last Wednesday.
She has now picked out the car of her choice and is looking forward to the freedom of being able to get around again.
"It should make life a lot easier for all of us" she added.
On Saturday last, Suzanne was one of a number of amputees who met with top London fashion model Heather Mills, at Tyrone County Hospital.
During a visit to the rehabilitation unit, Ms Mills offered advice and encouragement to three young victims of the bombing.
The model had her left leg amputated five years ago after being knocked down by a police motorcyclist answering a false alarm at Princess Diana's home.
She now offers inspiration to other amputees, during breaks from her successful modelling career.
During her visit, she also spoke to 19-year-old Pauline Green who lost her left leg below the knee and Michelle Mimnagh (17) who lost her right leg above the knee.
Therapy services manager, Sue Prenter - who arranged the visit - said the loss of her leg did not deter Heather from pursuing a very successful career as a model, writer and television presenter.
"Her visit proved to be a great morale boost to those she met on Saturday and she is certainly an inspiration to us all.
"Meeting Heather provided an opportunity for those affected by the bomb to speak to someone who has been through a similar traumatic and devastating experience."
The visit also provided an opportunity for members of Omagh Rotary Club to meet with amputees to discuss the group's fund-raising activities.
Monies raised will enable those who lost limbs, to have cosmetic treatments similar to those which the visiting model received.
BY: JOHN McCUSKER
BOMB victim, Suzanne Kelly, this week offered thanks to the 'Herald' after welfare authorities reversed a decision which prevented her from obtaining a Motability car.
Last week, the paper highlighted the plight of the young student teacher who - despite losing her leg in the bombing - was refused a car under a scheme which provides vehicles for the disabled.
But within hours of being contacted, DHSS officials decided she did qualify for the Motability scheme after all.
And this week the 21-year-old was looking forward to taking delivery of her gleaming new Citroen Saxo.
The DHSS climbdown came after they announced a special 'fast-track' register had been set in place to deal with bomb victims' claims.
Despite her disability, Suzanne had originally only been granted Disability Living Allowance for two years. In order to qualify for the Motability scheme, recipients must be registered for three years or over.
After being turned down, she rang DHSS officials in Belfast, but was told she could have to wait up to three months to learn if her appeal against the decision was successful.
Speaking from her home at Brackenvale this week, she said she felt both "relieved and delighted" that the authorities had speeded up her claim.
"The DHSS first contacted my social worker and told her they were now prepared to award me what I was looking for.
"They then phoned me and apologised for the delay and told me they were prepared to give me DLA for the next four years instead of the original two.
"I asked them why the sudden change of heart and they said mine was a special case and everything possible was being done for the victims.
"I can't understand why they just couldn't do this in the first place" she added.
The announcement capped off a week of celebrations for the delighted student, who turned 21 last Wednesday.
She has now picked out the car of her choice and is looking forward to the freedom of being able to get around again.
"It should make life a lot easier for all of us" she added.
On Saturday last, Suzanne was one of a number of amputees who met with top London fashion model Heather Mills, at Tyrone County Hospital.
During a visit to the rehabilitation unit, Ms Mills offered advice and encouragement to three young victims of the bombing.
The model had her left leg amputated five years ago after being knocked down by a police motorcyclist answering a false alarm at Princess Diana's home.
She now offers inspiration to other amputees, during breaks from her successful modelling career.
During her visit, she also spoke to 19-year-old Pauline Green who lost her left leg below the knee and Michelle Mimnagh (17) who lost her right leg above the knee.
Therapy services manager, Sue Prenter - who arranged the visit - said the loss of her leg did not deter Heather from pursuing a very successful career as a model, writer and television presenter.
"Her visit proved to be a great morale boost to those she met on Saturday and she is certainly an inspiration to us all.
"Meeting Heather provided an opportunity for those affected by the bomb to speak to someone who has been through a similar traumatic and devastating experience."
The visit also provided an opportunity for members of Omagh Rotary Club to meet with amputees to discuss the group's fund-raising activities.
Monies raised will enable those who lost limbs, to have cosmetic treatments similar to those which the visiting model received.
Further Information
Publisher: ULSTER HERALD
Ref: UH/0715
Published Date: 28-Jan-99
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