After two years of fundraising and months of waiting, meningococcal survivor Nick Peters has finally received the modified vehicle he says will make life easier for him and his young family.
Nick took delivery of the Kia Carnival at the end of July after modifications were completed to suit his needs. He said getting everything right took time, with the controls adjusted through trial and error.
“I’ve only just got it recently, so I’m still getting used to it,” he said. “My old car was a 2006 model, so everything was analogue. Now everything is digital. It’s nerve-racking driving a whole new car with different hand controls, but I’m loving it so far.”
Nick said the new vehicle had already made a difference.
“It gives me peace of mind,” he said. “I don’t have to worry about the car breaking down or getting stranded somewhere. It’s also much easier getting in and out, and there’s more room for me, Tammi, the kids, my wheelchair and our pram.”
He said features such as cruise control had also reduced the strain on his shoulders and made driving less stressful.
Looking back on the journey, Nick said the car represented much more than reliable transport.
“It’s a huge milestone,” he said. “I’m expecting this car to last about 15 years. My kids are only two and three, so this will be the car they grow up in and make childhood memories in. It’s all paid for as well, so I don’t have to worry about repayments with the cost of living going up.”
The vehicle was made possible through fundraising and support from the community, including the Amanda Young Foundation, the Victoria Park Lions Club and many individual donors.
“I’m lost for words,” Nick said. “People I’d never met heard my story and opened their hearts to help. It’s a great feeling to know there are still people willing to help others.”
Nick said Barry and Lorraine Young, founders of the Amanda Young Foundation, had supported him since he contracted meningococcal disease in 2002.
“Without them, I wouldn’t have come this far,” he said. “They’ve been involved from the start and still check in to see how I’m going. They’ve helped me remain an independent father who can take my kids to the park and to school. You can’t put a price on that.”
He hopes his story encourages others facing difficult circumstances to ask for help.
“There are organisations and people willing to give their time and help,” he said. “Asking can be the hardest part, but there is support out there. Every contribution, whether it’s one dollar or one hundred dollars, adds up. I couldn’t be more grateful to everyone who helped along the way.”
