RAYMOND — Bruce Gatchell is stuck at home.

The 33-year-old Raymond man with cerebral palsy led an active life until the exhaust system failed on his aging wheelchair van three months ago, putting the brakes on swimming and other activities he enjoys and needs to maintain strength.

“It's just plain depressing and he's getting a little bummed out sitting in the house,” said his sister and legal guardian, Lisa Duford, who is now planning a cut-a-thon at the Raymond hair salon where she works and other benefits to raise money for a van replacement.

With no adequate transportation, Gatchell may be unable to attend training in the spring to prepare for wheelchair races in the Special Olympics New Hampshire summer games; this year he placed first in the 25-meter wheelchair race.

“We're in trouble. If we don't have transportation to get his powerchair there, he can't do those events,” said Josh Jones, a family supervised direct-support professional with One Sky Community Services in Portsmouth, who helps care for Gatchell.

The 1996 Dodge Ram 2500 wheelchair van was purchased by Gatchell's mother for $7,000 shortly before she died of pancreatic cancer in 2006.

Gatchell's father died when the boy was 11.

Without his parents, Gatchell must rely on his sister.

“I don't have any other brothers or sisters,” Duford said. “This is it, and it makes it hard because it feels like a big weight right now. It's always in the back of my head.”

A fund was set up in June to benefit a van replacement, and so far $4,100 has been raised by donors.

Duford appreciates the support her brother has received so far.

“It's a great start, but I'm still far away. I'm just looking to get the payments so it's something we can handle. We can handle a small payment, but we'd rather none at all.” Duford estimates it could cost at least $25,000 to purchase a used wheelchair van in good condition.

Gatchell needs the van to get around. His sister knew it was only a matter of time before the old one would have needed costly repairs. The van has been fixed many times over the years, but given its age and the extent of the rust on the frame, Duford said she doesn't want to sink more money into a van that's worn out and won't pass inspection.

Jones echoed that thought: “With a rusted frame, it makes it really tough. If we fix the exhaust and only get a month out of it and you paid $1,000, it doesn't really help.”

Gatchell lives with Duford at her Raymond home, where she cares for him along with paid staff like Jones, who has spent months trying to find ways to pay for a new van.

Jones used to drive Gatchell around to places like Synergy Health and Fitness in Exeter, where he swam twice a week, or to the Bethany Church in Greenland to volunteer.

“The swimming is really good for his health. That's a big thing for him,” Duford said.

The cut-a-thon benefit will be Dec. 2 at Salon 27 in Raymond. All proceeds from the event will go toward the van replacement. For more information and to book an appointment, call 895-3818.

Anyone interested in donating to Gatchell's wheelchair van fund can make checks payable to “Wheelchair Van for Bruce” c/o People's United Bank, 55 Main St., Raymond 03077.

jschreiber@newstote.com