Emma's Wheelie Big Challenge

Hi. I am a disabled person born with Spina Bifida. I have always tried to live my life in a positive way not letting my disability prevent me from achieving goals. Some time ago I decided that my mobility had gotten to a stage that meant I was not living a full and meaningful life so I took the difficult decision to be in a wheelchair full time. This decision was the best decision of my life. It opened doors to so many possibilities and because I self propell I started to get fit. Pushing a wheelchair is no easy thing so i found that my muscles got bigger and my waistline got smaller! Due to this my wheelchair has become too big for me. Self propelling is becoming more and more difficult as I am moving too much in the seat. As ridgid wheelchairs are made to measure I can't make it smaller. A mobility centre has confirmed that the chair is too big and that I need a new chair. Unfortunately the NHS can only fund up to £800 and lightweight, active ridgid wheelchairs are thousands. I will be contributing to the total as much as I can financially and in addition to this I will be undertaking a series of challenges. I have already held a Tarantula, done a comedy 'stand up' routine at the Hot Water Comedy club and completed a wheel from Lytham Windmill to the Cenotaph in Blackpool. In October I will be undertaking the biggest challenge The Manchester half marathon. I have worked with Charities for over 20 years and having a better wheelchair will enable me to give something back to a community by raising money through entering charity races. I am also going to give away my current chair to someone who needs it as access to good quality mobility aids and adaptations without costing the earth is almost impossible. Thank you for reading my story. Emma x