Bigger van, bigger world

Rita Murray's world just got a whole lot bigger.

Rita and her husband Jerry bought a vehicle specially made for disabled passengers.

"As soon as I knew we were going to get the car I started to plan all the places I wanted to go," said Rita, who has been in her wheelchair for 11 years. Rita has multiple sclerosis.

"The first place I went was to my daughter Heather's place," said animal lover Rita. "Heather has a new dog I've been wanting to meet. That was on Saturday and on Sunday I went to my son Michael's place. I haven't done that in years. They just got a white standard poodle and I met the dog. It was just wonderful. Today we're going to Pine Centre and I'm going to get my nails done."

Taxi service is expensive and this way she can come and go as she pleases. She won't have to wait for special public transportation and work within their schedule.

"I still want to go to my daughter-in-law's house and visit with my grandchildren and I want to take a better look at all the new stores in the shopping centres," said Rita. "I've only been (to Walmart) once. Now I'm going to go any time I want. Since I've been in the wheelchair Jerry's always gone to do the grocery shopping by himself. I haven't been in a grocery store for years and I want to see what's new. So I'm looking forward to just doing a whole lot of things. It almost brings tears to my eyes to think of how secluded I was. Sometimes I wouldn't leave my apartment for up two months at a time."

The MV-1 vehicle is assembled by AM General LLC at their facility in Mishawaka, Indiana. It costs $58,000 and this is only one of three in B.C. so far. The Murrays were able to make the purchase of the car through Prince George's Medichair, said owner Phil Gobbi.

The MV-1 has a large side door that opens to allow the mechanical parts of the ramp to work its way to the pavement. The ramp allows the person in the wheelchair to roll up the ramp and turn to a specially created and anchored spot beside the driver. No more being crammed in the back for Rita. The roof and windshield are extended higher than an average van to allow the passenger a full view, just like the driver. There is enough room in the SUV-looking vehicle for two wheelchair-bound passengers.

"We sat in Connaught Park the other day and it was so beautiful to hear the birds singing and the children's little squeals of joy - I just loved it. Yes, it's made my world a whole lot bigger."