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Trashed wheelchairs inspire years of giving for Pembroke man

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March 23, 2008

PEMBROKE, N.H.—If Ben Talford ever breaks his leg, he'll be prepared.

Sixteen years ago, Talford was visiting a veterans hospital in Massachusetts when he spotted three wheelchairs that had been discarded in a trash bin. He got permission to take them home and lend them to needy veterans in New Hampshire, and eventually expanded his operation to include regular shipments of discarded medical equipment.

Now, he has on hand 80 pairs of crutches, 30 walkers, 10 wheelchairs and more. They are available for free to anyone who needs them. All he asks is that they be returned.

"I enjoy helping people," he said. "It makes me feel good. I never dreamed it would get this big, but it has."

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Information from: New Hampshire Union Leader, http://www.unionleader.com

© Copyright 2008 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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