A DISABLED man from Hereford has netted some lifechanging software thanks to a local charity.

Richard Hooper has received £1,000 from the Lions Club of Hereford to buy a state-of-the-art computer and camera.

The 47-year-old has suffered from cerebral palsy since childhood and struggled to use computers because of his disability.

The donation has gone towards eye-movement software that allows people with severe physical disabilities to use a computer.

The £5,500 system has an inbuilt camera that uses eye movements and blinks to control and click a mouse pointer.

The software was developed by Malvern firm, Smartbox Assistive Technology Ltd, and was mostly funded by Richard’s family.

Hereford Lions welfare chairman, Mike Hughes, said members admired Mr Hooper and happily donated the remaining funds.

“He’s a nice chap and he never asks for anything,” said Mr Hughes. “When we heard that this computer could open up his world, our members immediately supported the application for help and allocated £1,000 from our funds.”

Richard’s brothers, who learned of the software, said Mr Hooper became emotional on first using the “breakthrough”

system.

Neil Jenkins, previous president of Hereford Lions, said seeing Richard’s delight on using the software was the highlight of his year.