Hello, my name is Ryan and I am fundraising to help pay for adaptations to a car so that I can drive and become independent. You see, I am disabled in that I have no shoulder muscles or hand movements but, because I can walk I am not disabled enough to receive help from Motability.

I am nearly 18, the DVLA have issued my driving licence and I am allowed to drive as long as I have a car with adaptations that will make me and other road users safe.

The adaptations are so expensive that instead of buying a normal first time drivers cheap car, I cannot. My parents are helping me get a newer car that will last for 10 years to make all the equipment that must be added worthwhile.

Some background; I was born with a gastroschisis (where my insides were outside my abdominal wall) and a brachial plexus injury. The wonderful surgeons and staff fixed my gastroschisis but my hands, arms and shoulders have never worked. I played football at school and even managed to ride a scooter by looping my arms over some extended handlebars (I have crashed a few times!). I would not go anywhere but a mainstream school and although it was difficult, I learnt to write by pushing my pen in my fingers with my nose.

I want to become a software engineer. I am studying in Shrewsbury and live in Bridgnorth, so I currently have to take two buses (with help) to go to college as I continue my education.

Thank you for reading this and for considering helping me - I am very grateful.