Special project: Marcus Ryan Bathroom Project 1990-1991

Marcus Ryan is a 12 year-old lad who has cerebral palsy and suffers from epileptic fits.

A request by the manager of the City of Coburg, Age Care and Disability Services, and Yooralla Society, was received by the Rotary Club of Pascoe Vale for assistance in raising Marcus’ family bath by 12 inches (30 centimetres) to assist family members and Marcus’ carers lift him into the bath every day. A procedure that left the family members and carers open to back injuries.

A group of staff from the Council Age Care and Disability Services, Yooralla Staff, and Rotary Club of Pascoe Vale Volunteers considered the request but felt it was a short-term solution to only raise the bath. 

The laundry, which was adjacent to Marcus’ bedroom, was demolished and a new bathroom was constructed with direct access to Marcus’ bedroom. All planning and building permits for plumbing alterations were acquired and a building permit received from the City of Coburg.

Donations of materials and equipment were received from local trade suppliers – or at least, provided at wholesale price.

Marcus now has a complete bathing and toilet area accessible by wheelchair where he can be showered and independently use toilet and wash basin facilities.

Donors included:
The Pascoe Vale Trust
Chris Waters, Builder
Len Taylor, Plumbing
Gerard Hannan, Builder
Bill Hales, Plumbing
B.B.C. Hardware
Corona Plumbing Supplies