A SERIOUSLY ill Honiton man has regained his mobility – thanks to a pioneering scheme set up in memory of a former local resident.

A SERIOUSLY ill Honiton man has regained his mobility - thanks to a pioneering scheme set up in memory of a former local resident.

Pete Hillebrandt, of Minifie Road, was last week presented with a mobility scooter by Carol Gilson, whose late husband, Joe, inspired the launch of the Joe Gilson Mobility Scheme.

One of Mr Gilson's dying wishes was that his nearly new mobility scooter be passed on to someone else who could make use of it.

Over the past year, people have followed Joe's example, meaning many Herald readers have benefited from others' kindness.

Mr Hillebrandt was nominated to receive a mobility scooter by Hospiscare nurse Stella Thompson.

He thanked Mrs Gilson for launching the scheme and for choosing him as a recipient.

A second scooter is to be presented to a Honiton woman, who was nominated by deputy mayor Councillor Peter Fleming, in the near future.

Mrs Gilson said: "I'd like to thank those who have donated mobility scooters to the scheme, including Sidney Phillips.

"I would also like to thank the Midweek Herald for supporting the scheme and for doing what it can to help Honiton residents.