Hi my name is Lucy, I am 24 years old and I suffer from a number of chronic illnesses that cause severe pain, fatigue and mobility issues. My mobility had been deteriorating for a few years due to Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, a genetic connective tissue disorder that causes chronic pain, joint dislocations and issues with many of my internal organs including my heart, stomach and bladder. But in April 2022 I was diagnosed with Functional Neurological Disorder after I woke up one morning unable to walk or move my legs. FND is a neurological issue that affects how the brain sends and receives signals. The primary symptoms I experience are muscle weakness, episodes of paralysis, tremors and dystonia - all of which affect my mobility. Shortly after my FND diagnosis I was also diagnosed with CRPS and ME/CFS. CRPS causes a severe, constant pain in my legs and ME causes debilitating fatigue.

I started using a wheelchair in 2022, so I was able to actually leave the house and move around independently. My wheelchair has been transformative for my independence and over the past two years has allowed me to experience things that I absolutely would not have been able to without it. From travel, to socialising and my education my wheelchair has allowed me to access them all.

Unfortunately over the past two years my fatigue has significantly deteriorated and I am now at a point once again, where I very rarely leave the house and when I do it is not independently. I am unable to simply pop out to the shops when I want to, to go and visit my friends or even just to go on a walk to clear my head. This lack of independence and autonomy has had a massive impact on my mental health and I want nothing more than to have some of my life back.

This is why I am funding for a power assist for my wheelchair. A power assist is an electric device that attaches to your wheelchair that reduces the effort of pushing your chair. I personally, am looking at getting a triride as they are the most reliable, from the research that I have done. These devices are extremely expensive and unfortunately is not something I am financially capable of funding myself. While I am saving money and also looking at other avenues of funding, any donations would be a massive help and will be instrumental into my getting some freedom and joy back in my life.

Thank you so much - lots of love