Devastating NDIS twist after Good Samaritan mowed disabled man's lawn (2024)

There has been a heartbreaking update in the case of a Good Samaritan tradie who helped out a disabled man by mowing his lawn free of charge.

In June, gardener Nathan Stafford was alerted to an overgrown garden at Ryde in Sydney's north-west.

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 that he has been waiting 'the past three, four years' for National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) funding.

After video of Mr Stafford cleaning up John's yard went viral, a friendship developed between them - with the tradie dropping in regularly.

Recently, a text to John went unanswered, sparking concern from Mr Stafford, who went around to check on his mate.

On Wednesday Mr Stafford shared another video - expressing his anger at John's latest application for NDIS funding had been rejected.

He recounted how he met John and learned about his condition and how his pleas for help kept getting turned down.

He told how he cleaned up John's yard, 'and because of you legends, this video went very viral and a lot of people stepped in and it even went on national TV'.

'We got the ball rolling a bit, and he applied for NDIS again, hoping as you would expect everything would go smoothly and it would be no problem, he explained.

Mr Stafford then shared John's devastating news.

'We've had a response here from NDIS, and it basically says that your application's been considered and based on the evidence provided, your circ*mstances do not meet the disability and early intervention requirements.

'That's just appalling!'

A shattered John expressed his disappointment.

'I don't know what to to do anymore mate,' he said.

Mr Stafford vowed to keep fighting on his behalf.

'Well mate, I'm in your corner and I'm not going to give up and we're gonna find a way no matter what and I'm going to do everything here to get NDIS's attention that's going to get this sorted out, because you clearly need some help here and it's just very sad,' he said.

'We're not going to give up mate, we're going to keep fighting for for you.

'And we're going to hope soon we have some positive news for you ok?'

'That would be good.' John replied.

Viewers expressed sympathy for John and anger at his NDIS application being rejected.

'I am sad for John and for you, having set in motion the help needed and denied. Naturally, the fight has just begun and I know you will not rest easy until John gets the aid he so desperately needs,' one commented.

Another added: 'Absolutely shattered to hear this, It is totally disgusting of NDIS to think John does not meet their requirements I certainly hope you keep fighting on his behalf, your an angel Nathan.'

One reply called out NDIS minister Bill Shorten.

'It's time to get Bill Shorten out to this man's place to see first hand.'

The viral video grabbed the attention of local federal Bennelong MP Jerome Laxale, who insisted that his Labor colleagues were reviewing the matter.

'Thanks for raising this issue. You're a legend. I know Bill Shorten's team is looking at this. I'll follow it up too.'

Daily Mail Australia has contacted the NDIS for comment.

Mr Stafford 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 walking into that to see no support (and) to see that clearly, he has a disability,' Mr Stafford told Daily Mail Australia in June.

'It's sad, because this guy is one of the ones that really clearly does need support and he's not getting it.'