Can you give me a little lift?!
Donation protected
Hi there!
My name is Rhian and here’s my story; Five years ago I was working as a full time, 24/7, live in carer for paralysed adults, I loved my job, I’d been doing it for years straight after graduating University. After a particularly hard day at work I felt some pain in my left knee and started to limp, just a little. At the time I didn’t think anything of it, I was 26 and healthy.
Today I can only get around using a wheelchair (a walking frame on a good day!) I’m on a cocktail of medications including Morphine for Chronic pain and have to have care workers visit multiple times a day to dress, wash and take care of my nutritional needs.
Life can sure be ironic sometimes!
I’ve spent my life, working and volunteering to help others; from delivering meals-on-wheels to getting a child’s work permit to help out in the kitchens. From age 13 till the day before my first surgery for knee realignment I’ve made sure my life has contributed to the benefit of others. But now I’ve gone from ‘carer’ to ‘cared for’ and I’m the one who needs the help.
I need a little lift, a stair lift .
My partner has to carry me up the stairs or I'm limited to 2 rooms with no access to a bathroom or running water. I've applied and been rejected for multiple grants and loans but as my partner is able to struggle through his own disability to hold down a job, we don't qualify.
I’m the wrong age to need mobility equipment. The qualifying age is 65, which would mean another 34 years surviving a limited existence. I acknowledge the pressures the government is under , but it's unfair that they don't look at personal circumstances or outgoings when deciding who is eligible for help. I've battled with waiting lists and council application forms to be finally told in no uncertain terms; NO.
The cheapest quote we can find is £1399 for the stair lift itself and £400 to go towards fitting, maintenance and on-going warranty.
I’m not a scrounger, I hate that my body is stopping me from living my life but I’m determined to be as independent as I can. I've started a small sewn gifts company so I can contribute towards it myself (I'm not used to hand-outs and I'm determined to work as much as my body will let me).
A stair lift would change my life in ways it’s hard to explain to someone who doesn't live with chronic pain and mobility issues. Having access to a toilet or be able to wash independently are things I used to take for granted. A stair lift would help to make me a whole person again. Useful. Vital. Someone who matters.
I know how hard people's living situations can be, having volunteered with the most vulnerable in society, so if you can spare a few pounds or even 50p you’ll have my heartfelt thanks and gratitude.
I'd be beyond thankful for any money that you can spare; you’ll be making a huge difference to my life.
Let’s see how far we get!
Always keep fighting.x
Rhian.x
P.S: I’m immensely grateful to one of my oldest friends Kaye for helping me (nagging me!) into setting up this Go Fund Me page!
My name is Rhian and here’s my story; Five years ago I was working as a full time, 24/7, live in carer for paralysed adults, I loved my job, I’d been doing it for years straight after graduating University. After a particularly hard day at work I felt some pain in my left knee and started to limp, just a little. At the time I didn’t think anything of it, I was 26 and healthy.
Today I can only get around using a wheelchair (a walking frame on a good day!) I’m on a cocktail of medications including Morphine for Chronic pain and have to have care workers visit multiple times a day to dress, wash and take care of my nutritional needs.
Life can sure be ironic sometimes!
I’ve spent my life, working and volunteering to help others; from delivering meals-on-wheels to getting a child’s work permit to help out in the kitchens. From age 13 till the day before my first surgery for knee realignment I’ve made sure my life has contributed to the benefit of others. But now I’ve gone from ‘carer’ to ‘cared for’ and I’m the one who needs the help.
I need a little lift, a stair lift .
My partner has to carry me up the stairs or I'm limited to 2 rooms with no access to a bathroom or running water. I've applied and been rejected for multiple grants and loans but as my partner is able to struggle through his own disability to hold down a job, we don't qualify.
I’m the wrong age to need mobility equipment. The qualifying age is 65, which would mean another 34 years surviving a limited existence. I acknowledge the pressures the government is under , but it's unfair that they don't look at personal circumstances or outgoings when deciding who is eligible for help. I've battled with waiting lists and council application forms to be finally told in no uncertain terms; NO.
The cheapest quote we can find is £1399 for the stair lift itself and £400 to go towards fitting, maintenance and on-going warranty.
I’m not a scrounger, I hate that my body is stopping me from living my life but I’m determined to be as independent as I can. I've started a small sewn gifts company so I can contribute towards it myself (I'm not used to hand-outs and I'm determined to work as much as my body will let me).
A stair lift would change my life in ways it’s hard to explain to someone who doesn't live with chronic pain and mobility issues. Having access to a toilet or be able to wash independently are things I used to take for granted. A stair lift would help to make me a whole person again. Useful. Vital. Someone who matters.
I know how hard people's living situations can be, having volunteered with the most vulnerable in society, so if you can spare a few pounds or even 50p you’ll have my heartfelt thanks and gratitude.
I'd be beyond thankful for any money that you can spare; you’ll be making a huge difference to my life.
Let’s see how far we get!
Always keep fighting.x
Rhian.xP.S: I’m immensely grateful to one of my oldest friends Kaye for helping me (nagging me!) into setting up this Go Fund Me page!
Organizer
Rhian Ballard-Smith
Organizer
