BY: Michelle Liew
While hurdles are no stranger to our lives, one man with cerebral palsy defies the odds every day.
Englishman, Peter Moss commutes five days a week from Trowbridge in Wiltshire to Newbury in Berkshire to work at Scope, which is a 90-mile (approximately 144km) trip.
The reason for this lengthy commute is so that Peter can volunteer at the charity shop and be with the “lovely people” he works with.
The charity has offered roles in shops closer to home, but Peter chose to stay at the Newbury branch and stated that he did not mind going the extra (90) miles for his job because it gives him “so much satisfaction”.
Peter, 66 years old, travels 45 mile (72km) each way on public transport. There is no doubt that the team gives him “such a wonderful welcome” when he walks through the door of the shop.
“I couldn’t have been made to feel more at home,” Peter said as quoted from BBC.
“When you work with such lovely people and get to know our great customers, the thought of knowing you’re helping Scope raise funds. I’m the one who gets so much satisfaction.”
According to manager Lorraine Smith, Peter is an “absolute asset” to the shop.
“Every day Peter lights up the shop with his can-do attitude and his smile,” she said.
“He can engage with any age group and has made a lot of friends both in Scope and in the Newbury community.
“I have the utmost respect and admiration for his dedication to work and for the effort he makes for his colossal daily commute.”
Cerebral palsy is a group of permanent movement disorders that appear in early childhood. Signs and symptoms may vary among people and over time but typically include poor coordination, stiff muscles, weak muscles, and tremors. Some may develop problems with sensation, vision, hearing, swallowing, and even speaking.
