There is heartbreaking news about the case of a good Samaritan who helped a disabled man.
In June, gardener Nathan Stafford was alerted to an overgrown garden in Ryde in Sydney’s north-west.
Mr Stafford arrived at the house to find John unable to tend to the garden as he has a neurological condition which means he can only walk with crutches.
Despite being clearly disabled, John says he has been waiting for funding from the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) for “the last three, four years”.
After a video of Mr Stafford cleaning up John’s garden went viral, a friendship developed between them and the professional came by regularly.
Recently, a text message to John went unanswered, causing concern for Mr Stafford, who went to check on his buddy.
On Wednesday, Mr. Stafford shared another video about Facebook in which he expressed his anger over the rejection of John’s latest funding application.
He told how he met John, how he learned about his condition and how his NDIS applications kept being rejected.
Nathan Stafford (pictured left) vowed to continue fighting for a disheartened John (pictured right) to get funding from the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)
He told how he cleaned up John’s garden, ‘and thanks to you legends this video went viral and a lot of people joined in. It even aired on national television.’
“We got the ball rolling and he re-applied for NDIS, hoping that everything would go smoothly and there would be no issues,” he explained.
Mr. Stafford then shared John’s terrible news.
“I’m reading an email on your phone here, and it’s not that great,” he read.
‘We have received a response from the NDIS stating that your application has been considered and that, based on the evidence provided, your circumstances do not meet the disability and early intervention requirements.
“That’s just horrible!”
A heartbroken John expressed his deep disappointment.
“I don’t know what to do anymore, buddy,” he said.
In June, Mr Stafford cleaned up the garden of John, who is unable to maintain his garden due to a functional neurological disorder (FND).
Mr Stafford promised that he would continue to fight for him.
“Well mate, I’m on your side and I’m not giving up. We’re going to find a way to get this sorted out no matter what. I’m going to do everything I can to get the attention of the NDIS so that this can be sorted out. Because clearly you need help with this and it’s just really sad,” he said.
“We’re not giving up, buddy. We’re gonna keep fighting for you.”
‘And we hope we have some positive news for you soon, okay?
“That would be good,” John replied.
Viewers expressed sympathy for John and anger at his NDIS application being rejected.
“I’m sad for John and for you who initiated the help that was needed and was denied. Of course, the fight has only just begun and I know you won’t rest easy until John gets the help he so desperately needs,” one person commented.
Another added: “I’m absolutely devastated to hear this. It’s absolutely disgusting of the NDIS to think John wouldn’t meet their standards. I really hope you keep fighting for him, you’re an angel Nathan.”
Nathan Stafford (right) was greeted by a discouraged John (left) as he passed by
One response criticised NDIS Minister Bill Shorten.
“It’s time to take Bill Shorten to this man’s house so he can see for himself.”
The viral video caught the attention of Jerome Laxale, a local federal MP for Bennelong, who insisted his Labor colleagues were investigating the matter.
“Thanks for raising this issue. You’re a legend. I know Bill Shorten’s team is looking at this. I’ll be following up on it as well.”
Mr Stafford ended his message with: ‘A sad day to be an Australian, honestly. I’ll keep fighting for you mate.’
Daily Mail Australia has contacted NDIS for comment.
Mr Stafford had previously revealed that John’s father had died last year and he was now left to care for his two younger siblings, one of whom is still a child.
“It’s very frustrating to stand there and not get any support and see he clearly has a disability,” Stafford told Daily Mail Australia in June.
“It’s sad because this man is one of those people who clearly needs help, but he’s not getting it.”