FALL RIVER, Mass. (WPRI) — It’s important to think about your neighbors after a snowstorm, especially the ones who aren’t able to shovel themselves out. One Fall River man would seemingly fall under that category, when in fact he’s the one giving his neighbors a helping hand.
Scott Hughes has been a paraplegic for the last 15 years, but he doesn’t let that keep him from clearing the sidewalks at the housing complex where he lives. The 50-year-old said the front path wasn’t wide enough for wheelchairs to get through, so he shoveled that first.
“There’s four people in wheelchairs and a couple people with walkers who can’t get out here and shovel.”
Hughes even helped to get his neighbors’ cars cleared off. He said he and his neighbors help each other out on a regular basis, and that he’s as grateful for their help as they are for his.
“Scott’s an awesome person. He’s one of the best tenants in this place. He loves to help people,” said Edward Silvia.
Hughes was paralyzed in 2000 when he fell off the roof of a mill during a renovation project.
“I took a step backwards and fell like I’m sitting. And I’ve been sitting that way ever since,” he said.
When he’s not helping out his neighbors, Hughes likes to ride motorcycles – saying that life’s too short to let a handicap stand in the way.
