An Auckland father with Parkinson's disease is restoring his MG car so he can sell it to raise money for people with spinal injuries.
He's inspired by his quadriplegic son, who broke his back in a wakeboarding accident two years ago.
It's hard work but Eric Smeele is determined to get his MG Rover F Series looking as good as new. He started restoring it three years ago and most mornings he's out in the rest home carpark working away.
Mr Smeele has Parkinson's, and for him this is a form of therapy.
"It just seems to flick a switch inside," he says. "It's something to aim at. It clarifies my mind; my body works better."
He was diagnosed when he was 40 years old, by a process of elimination.
Although his body is deteriorating, his sense of humour certainly isn't.
The project is a labour of love, all to raise money for his son - former Kiwi pro wakeboarder Brad Smeele, who is starting his own charity for people with spinal injuries.
The younger Mr Smeele became a quadriplegic after an accident on the water four years ago in Florida. He's just been diagnosed with osteoporosis in his hips.
"I can actually relate a lot more to my dad's situation," he says. "Just seeing and knowing that he's got that project to work on and he's passionate about it and wants to put the money toward helping support me is really cool."
Eric wants to finish his project car before summer, but the staff at the Te Mana Rest Home in Birkdale suspect he'll need some help to make that happen.
"We're looking for people to help create a safe environment and complete Eric's project," Te Mana Rest Home assistant Lynette Dudley told Newshub.
Until it's done, the elder Mr Smeele will be out there working away, one panel at a time.
Newshub.
