Toddlers and pensioners are joining forces to raise cash to buy a mobility scooter for a disabled wheelchair-bound man in his 80s.

Busy Bees Pre-school in Chingford’s Bailey Close has launched a crowdfunding campaign and organised a sponsored toddle in the hope of gathering enough donations for the surprise gift. 

Organiser Louise Buschman, who works at the pre-school, said she often sees the man, known as Ron, battling to get his wheelchair up the road. 

The pensioner, who only has one leg, lives in Maya Angelou Court, a sheltered housing residence in Bailey Close.

She said: “I see him struggling up the road in his wheelchair. He goes on his own and doesn’t have anyone to push him.

“He goes all the way up from Bailey Close, through Normanshire Drive, to Chingford Mount to the shops. And that’s quite a hill.

“He actually travels on the road because it’s easier than using the wheelchair on the pavement. It’s not safe for him.

“One lady I know spoke to him and he said he is struggling with it so we came up with this idea of surprising him with a mobility scooter.

“We feel sorry for him and really want to help him out. He is very independent.”

Forty children aged between two and four will be accompanied by elderly residents of Maya Angelou Court at the toddle at Larkswood Playing Fields on Wednesday, June 27, at 10am.

The youngsters visit the home once a week to sing songs, dance and have a tea party. 

The nursery is also holding a raffle with prizes including artwork and a gym membership up for grabs, in the hope of reaching its target of £500.

Ms Buschman is calling on businesses in the area to donate prizes and encouraging locals to give whatever they can afford towards the campaign.

“I think it’s special because it’s a community fundraising campaign and it’s nice that’s it’s for somebody local,” she added.

“Even if it’s only £1 you can donate, you’re still helping someone in the area. It will change his life and open up the outside world to him.

“Ron comes in to watch the children singing and dancing. He can’t join it but he loves to be there.”

Members of the public are welcome to take part in the sponsored toddle. Tea and refreshments will be served afterwards.

To donate, visit www.justgiving.com and search ‘help buy a motorised scooter for Ron’.