Community Helping To Replace NH Teen's Racing Wheelchair
GOFFSTOWN, NH (CBS) - Andy Martin has had a goal since he was a little boy.
"Since I was four I've wanted to do the Boston Marathon," he said.
And the fact that he has spina bifida and uses a wheelchair isn't going to stop him. For 13 years he's done the last leg of the race with runner Ray Phillips. They wear Elvis costumes as they take the last 2/10 of a mile together.
Andy was training to push himself all 26 miles when he hit a major setback. He was hit by a car as he was traveling in a Goffstown neighborhood.
Andy walked away with bumps and bruises, but his rented racing chair was destroyed.
School Resource Officer Ryan Buker heard the accident call while he was driving in his squad.
"I ran over to see if he was OK and he was all smiles, as he always is," Buker recalls.
But when Buker saw the broken chair, he knew he needed to help.
"I thought it would be a great idea, and some of the teachers at the school thought it would be a great idea, to come together and raise money to get him his very own wheelchair," he explains.
The chair has to be specially fitted and will cost $3,000. But it's vital to Andy's training.
"I really appreciate it because now I don't have to think I won't be able to do the marathon in 2 years," Andy said.
No one doubts that with a push from friends at Goffstown High School, Andy will cross the finish line on Boylston Street.
Donations can be made to Wheels for Andy and can be dropped off at Goffstown High School or any TD Banknorth branch.
