There has been heartbreaking news in the case of a good Samaritan social worker who helped a disabled man by mowing his lawn for free.
In June, gardener Nathan Stafford was alerted to a garden overrun by vegetation in Ryde, northwest of Sydney.
Mr Stafford arrived at the house and met John, who is unable to tend the garden because he can only walk with the aid of crutches due to a neurological disorder.
Despite being clearly disabled, John revealed he has been waiting “for the last three or four years” for funding from the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
After the video of Mr. Stafford cleaning John’s yard went viral, a friendship developed between them, and the worker used to visit him regularly.
Recently, a text message sent to John went unanswered, sparking concern for Mr Stafford, who went to check on his friend.
On Wednesday, Mr. Stafford shared another video about Facebook expressing anger that John’s latest funding request was rejected.
She recounted how she met John and learned about his condition and how his NDIS applications kept being rejected.
Nathan Stafford (pictured left) vowed to keep fighting to get a dejected John (pictured right) funding from the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)
He recounted how he cleaned up John’s yard, ‘and thanks to you legends, this video went super viral and a lot of people chimed in and it even made it onto national TV.’
‘We got things moving and he applied for the NDIS again, hoping, as you would expect, that everything would go smoothly and there would be no issues,’ she said.
Mr. Stafford then shared the devastating news about John.
“I’m reading an email on your phone that’s not so fantastic,” he read.
‘We have received a response from NDIS and it basically says that your application has been considered and based on the evidence provided, your circumstances do not meet the disability and early intervention requirements.
‘That’s just awful!’
A devastated John expressed his sad disappointment.
“I don’t know what to do anymore, buddy,” he said.
In June, Mr Stafford cleaned up John’s garden, who is unable to tend to it due to functional neurological disorder (FND).
Mr Stafford vowed to continue fighting for his cause.
“Well, mate, I’m on your side and I’m not going to give up and we’re going to find a way no matter what and I’m going to do everything I can to get the attention of the NDIS to get this resolved because clearly you need help here and it’s very sad,” he said.
“We are not going to give up, comrade, we will continue fighting for you.”
-And we hope to have some positive news for you soon, okay?
“That would be nice,” John replied.
Viewers expressed sympathy for John and anger that his NDIS application was rejected.
“I’m sad for John and you who have put in place the necessary help and have been denied. Of course, the fight has only just begun and I know you won’t rest easy until John receives the help he so desperately needs,” one commented.
Another added: “I’m absolutely heartbroken to hear this. It’s totally disgusting that NDIS think John doesn’t meet their requirements. I certainly hope you keep fighting on his behalf, you’re an angel Nathan.”
Nathan Stafford (right) was greeted by a dejected John (left) as he passed by.
One response caught the attention of NDIS Minister Bill Shorten.
“It’s time for Bill Shorten to go to this man’s house and see it first hand.”
The viral video caught the attention of local federal MP for Bennelong, Jerome Laxale, who insisted his Labor colleagues were looking into the matter.
“Thank you for raising this issue. You are a legend. I know Bill Shorten’s team is looking into this. I will be following up on it as well.”
Mr Stafford ended his message by saying: “It’s a sad day for Australians, to be honest. I’ll keep fighting for you, mate.”
Daily Mail Australia has contacted NDIS for comment.
Mr Stafford previously revealed that John’s father had died last year and he now had to care for his two younger siblings, one of whom is still a child.
“It’s very frustrating to come in and not see any support (and) to clearly see that he has a disability,” Stafford told Daily Mail Australia in June.
“It’s sad, because this kid is one of those who clearly needs support and isn’t getting it.”
