Help Charlie get a better quality of life
Donation protected
hi, my name is Charlie, I am a disabled wheelchair user currently studying for a career where I can support other individuals with disabilities, a profession I am deeply passionate about. However, I face significant challenges with my health that require me to use a wheelchair and power assist. On July 17th, my chair was irreparably damaged due to a systemic fault, leaving me with very little mobility. Because of this, it has become necessary to ask for help in replacing my chair as soon as possible.
My Story
I live with several disabilities including Functional Neurological Disorder (FND), Hypermobile Spectrum Disorder (HSD) and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS/ME), which have progressively affected my mobility over the past few years. These disorders cause severe widespread chronic pain, joint instability, seizures, fatigue and more. Despite this, I have always been determined to pursue my dreams and make a positive impact on the lives of others with disabilities which was a job I have always wanted to do (even before becoming disabled myself!)
Why I Need Your Help
As my health has declined, it has become increasingly difficult for me to manage my daily activities, including my studies and work. Normally, I am an incredibly independent person, and asking for help is a big step for me. However, I know this is not something I can afford on my own.
I urgently need a manual wheelchair with a power assist. The wheelchair I need costs around £4000-£5000, and the power assist, a SmartDrive, costs around £5000 on its own. This specialized wheelchair setup will allow me to move around more easily and conserve my energy for studying, working, and continue my placement in an additional needs school. The power assist will also let me be completely independent, so that I do not need to rely on others to push me, and I can attend hospital appointments and leave the house on my own. Additionally, a wheelchair with power assist is expected to last me for the next 5-10 years, granting me far more freedom and stability in my daily life.
Financial Situation
The total cost of the wheelchair and power assist is £9000-£10,000. I have managed to save £3000 through hard work and careful budgeting, but I still need £5000 to £7000 to reach my goal. On top of this, the chair I did have was broken and is now completely unusable.
Why Grants Aren’t an Option Right Now
I have looked into grants; however, they are in incredibly high demand at the moment. Most would take up to a year from application to actually receiving the product, and that’s if I were even accepted. Unfortunately, I can't wait this long as I am entering my second year of university, and the stress of the applications is a lot to handle on top of my studies and health challenges.
How Your Donations Will Help
Your donations will directly contribute to the purchase of the wheelchair and power assist, which will:
- Allow me to attend classes and complete my degree.
- Enable me to continue working and supporting myself.
- Improve my overall quality of life by providing the mobility and independence I need.
- Provide a long-term solution for my mobility needs, lasting 5-10 years and granting me far more freedom.
- Allow me to attend hospital appointments and leave the house independently without relying on others to push me.
I am immensely grateful for any support you can provide, whether it’s a donation or simply sharing my story with others. Every little bit helps and brings me one step closer to achieving my goal of being able to access my life and studies.
thank you so so much,
charlie :)
My Story
I live with several disabilities including Functional Neurological Disorder (FND), Hypermobile Spectrum Disorder (HSD) and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS/ME), which have progressively affected my mobility over the past few years. These disorders cause severe widespread chronic pain, joint instability, seizures, fatigue and more. Despite this, I have always been determined to pursue my dreams and make a positive impact on the lives of others with disabilities which was a job I have always wanted to do (even before becoming disabled myself!)
Why I Need Your Help
As my health has declined, it has become increasingly difficult for me to manage my daily activities, including my studies and work. Normally, I am an incredibly independent person, and asking for help is a big step for me. However, I know this is not something I can afford on my own.
I urgently need a manual wheelchair with a power assist. The wheelchair I need costs around £4000-£5000, and the power assist, a SmartDrive, costs around £5000 on its own. This specialized wheelchair setup will allow me to move around more easily and conserve my energy for studying, working, and continue my placement in an additional needs school. The power assist will also let me be completely independent, so that I do not need to rely on others to push me, and I can attend hospital appointments and leave the house on my own. Additionally, a wheelchair with power assist is expected to last me for the next 5-10 years, granting me far more freedom and stability in my daily life.
Financial Situation
The total cost of the wheelchair and power assist is £9000-£10,000. I have managed to save £3000 through hard work and careful budgeting, but I still need £5000 to £7000 to reach my goal. On top of this, the chair I did have was broken and is now completely unusable.
Why Grants Aren’t an Option Right Now
I have looked into grants; however, they are in incredibly high demand at the moment. Most would take up to a year from application to actually receiving the product, and that’s if I were even accepted. Unfortunately, I can't wait this long as I am entering my second year of university, and the stress of the applications is a lot to handle on top of my studies and health challenges.
How Your Donations Will Help
Your donations will directly contribute to the purchase of the wheelchair and power assist, which will:
- Allow me to attend classes and complete my degree.
- Enable me to continue working and supporting myself.
- Improve my overall quality of life by providing the mobility and independence I need.
- Provide a long-term solution for my mobility needs, lasting 5-10 years and granting me far more freedom.
- Allow me to attend hospital appointments and leave the house independently without relying on others to push me.
I am immensely grateful for any support you can provide, whether it’s a donation or simply sharing my story with others. Every little bit helps and brings me one step closer to achieving my goal of being able to access my life and studies.
thank you so so much,
charlie :)
Organizer
Charlie Martin
Organizer
England