Those simple things are nearly all the 36-year-old has to really look forward to, ever since he broke his neck in a car accident that changed his life forever, six years ago.

Most of his life isn't quite as enjoyable.

"I just watch TV. I get up and watch TV until about four, then I go in my wheelchair until about eight, nine, sometimes ten," said Lafferty.

Sometimes he gets visitors. His mother makes the trip from the family's home in Fort Resolution as often as she can to see her son. The reality for Lafferty though, is spending much of his time alone.

Lafferty lives in the extended care wing of Stanton Regional Hospital. He is paralysed from the neck down, under constant medical supervision and needs a ventilator to breath.

For the last four years, he has looked forward to yearly day-trips to Fort Resolution, where he gets a chance to visit with parents, family and friends.

This year, his June 5 trip didn't go as smoothly as planned.

Sharon Lafferty, sister to Patrick, said in a letter to xxxNews/North that the government reneged on a promise to transport Patrick home for a day.

"I am totally disgusted, appalled and ashamed of our government and it's affiliated departments because a verbal communication was made two months ago that they will be paying for this trip," said she said.

Lafferty said Patrick was informed two months prior to the travel date that the government would foot the bill.

Family members had been expecting to pay the $2,000 cost themselves this year and had saved their income tax refunds to cover it.

When news came that the trip would be paid for, family members spent their tax refund elsewhere.

But on June 4 news came that the government wouldn't pay for the trip. With the tax money gone, the Lafferty family turned to the generosity of the rest of the community of about 540.

With three hours of making the appeal, they had raised $1,838 -- almost enough to bring Patrick home. The balance was made up in donations received since the trip.

In addition, the community sawmill where Patrick once worked, Great Slave Forest Products, has agreed to help out. In fact, Lafferty said there's already enough in the fund to pay for next year's trip.

Family members weren't surprised by the generous outpouring of funds.

"Each time there is some type of family crisis occurring in the community, the whole community comes together and lends a helping hand either by donating cash or goods, they are there for one another," said Sharon Lafferty.

However, there is still concern over whether the community will have to shoulder the costs of the trip in future years.

"All types of programs and services are being cut back and slowly diminishing from the overall budget and capital plan. Serious consideration should be given to this part of the budget," she said.

She said she would like the government to support Patrick and others who are in the same situation.

"This type of visit is the only thing that he counts on, let's not take this away from him," she said.