A DAD from Balloch battling a crippling disease has finally had his spirits raised with the offer of a new house which will help him cope with the illness.

Stuart Morris, who has motor neurone disease, has been offered a newly-built home in the town by Argyll Community Housing Association (ACHA) following a high-profile plea for urgent help.

The Reporter told in May that the former Aggreko worker’s flat in Maitland Court, Helensburgh, rented from a private landlord, is robbing him of his dignity as he tries to cope with the life threatening condition.

We reported that the 39-year-old had to sleep in the living room because the bedroom door was too narrow for his walking frame and he had to go to his in-laws’ home to shower because he cannot use the over-bath shower in his current house.

The family’s situation is exacerbated by additional health difficulties experienced by wife Lorraine who has type one diabetes and daughter Kaci, 17, who suffers from cystic fibrosis.

This week, Lorraine, 37, told the Reporter that ACHA had offered them a new house, although it won’t be ready until October or November.

She said: “We are very pleased as this will be much better for Stuart.

“He will have his own room downstairs which will be big enough for his hospital bed and electric wheelchair.

“He recently had a feeding tube fitted into his stomach and the room will be big enough to store the boxes of special food which he needs.

“It will also be able to have a hoist eventually.”

The family, who have a second daughter, Hayley, 14, will also have three bedrooms on the upper floor.

Lorraine said: “The girls are also looking forward to the move. It will be so much better for Kaci to be away from any mould.

“Stuart’s workmates from Aggreko in Dumbarton, including the bosses, have been brilliant at keeping his spirits up by coming round to visit and they have promised to help with the move once the house is ready.”

ACHA’s chief executive Alastair MacGregor said: “Mr and Mrs Morris have viewed a four-bedroom property on our 32-unit new build development at Castlewood Court, Helensburgh and are delighted with it.

“Association staff have worked closely with Mr and Mrs Morris and colleagues from the Occupational Therapy department to ensure that the property specification will meet the family’s needs.

“The property is currently on-site and will not be ready until, at the earliest, the end of October this year.

“This property is one of four in the development that will be adapted for special needs.

“We are very pleased that Mr and Mrs Morris and their family will have a home for the future that meets their requirements.”

ACHA’S Castlewood Court development is currently under construction on the site formerly known as Jutland Court, next to the town’s Castle Woods. ACHA will offer 32 homes for rent.