Hello, my name is Elizabeth Waterhouse. I’m 45 years old and from Essex, UK. I live with 5Q spinal muscular atrophy type 2. I was diagnosed at just 15 months old, and although I managed to walk with calipers until I was 10, a spinal operation for scoliosis sadly meant I could no longer stand or walk.

I’ve never allowed my disability to define me or hold me back. I went to university, have lived independently since the age of 19, and today I am blessed with a wonderful wife and two beautiful children. Being a mum is the greatest joy of my life.

My wheelchair is so much more than equipment—it is my independence, my freedom, and in many ways, my identity. It allows me to take my children to school, play with them, carry them on my lap, and be fully present in family life. Without it, all of these simple but precious moments become impossible.

After 13 years of loyal service, my current wheelchair has finally broken beyond repair. The NHS wheelchair service contributes a set amount, but sadly it doesn’t come close to covering the type of specialist chair I need to meet even my basic requirements.

The wheelchair I am hoping to buy is the Quickie Q700 M Sedeo Pro Mid Wheel Powered Wheelchair. This chair has a Gyro-Tracking System which automatically detects and corrects even the smallest deviation from direction. By keeping the chair on track, it reduces the number of physical or cognitive actions needed to drive. As my muscle-wasting condition has worsened over the years, this feature would make driving much easier and far less physically demanding. Having a chair that works with me—not against me—would make such a difference to my independence and daily life.

This is the first time in my life that I have ever asked for financial help or tried to fundraise—I’ve always done everything I can to stay independent. But now I have no choice. I am fundraising to cover the additional cost of a new wheelchair—my “legs.” Having a reliable chair will give me back my freedom, allow me to care for my children, and continue living life as fully and independently as possible.

Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for taking the time to read my story. Any support you can give—no matter how small—will bring me one step closer to regaining my independence and my ability to be the mum I want to be.