Be able to afford a custom wheelchair!

Hi, my name is Caitlin and I’ve spent most of my life ill in some way. When I was younger it was my mental health which was my struggle, but now it’s my physical health.

I have a diagnosis of POTs and hED, as well as lotssss more currently suspected and being investigated, was well as that I have auDHD. My symptoms control my life, I’m always tired, out of breath, dizzy and exhausted, I constantly have to use mobility aids just to survive.

To no one’s surprise, the NHS wasn’t able to help, as I am ambulatory (can take a step), I didn’t qualify and so aren’t able to come under wheelchair services in my particular area, this then leaves it all to me.

I want to go to university, play sport, be able to exist without my symptoms ruining every single thing I do.

However wheelchairs are insanely expensive, especially a custom one, which would be made for my measurements, and so as a student, there’s no no way I can afford it myself. I currently have a second hand wheelchair which I’m so so grateful for and got it cheaply off eBay, however because it’s too big, using it causes me pain.

My goal of £6000 is just over what I would need to purchase the mobility aid which would change my life (TiLite TRA). I would spend the rest of the money on another mobility aid, currently I use a stick however it is only a cheap Amazon one, which causes me pain and is very wobbly, the rest of the money would be towards both that and crutches. I would love to get smart crutches, as these are the ones recommended for eds and would help stop my joints dislocating.

If I managed to get more than my goal (I’m not expecting too, but I’m adding it just in case), here are other things I would love to help my disability that right now I cannot afford:

- Ring splints, to help stop my fingers dislocating,

- Private appointments to help tear my POTs as I have been told by the NHS there’s nothing more they can do for me and I need to go private if I want any help,

- Visible band to help measure my energy levels,

- Donate any of the rest of the money to someone else who needs it.

Every single penny of this money is going to go towards helping my health (or someone else’s)  

Even just sharing this post helps so much! Thank you so much for taking the time to read this