Hi, my name is Charlotte and I am fundraising on behalf of my good friend, Joe.

Joe is an incredible person who has endured more than most people could imagine, yet he continues to face life with strength and determination. Following devastating complications from life-saving cancer treatment he received years ago, Joe suddenly lost the use of his legs and is now adjusting to life in a wheelchair.

We are raising funds to help purchase a powered wheelchair attachment that would give Joe back some much-needed independence and freedom. This equipment would allow him to get out more easily without relying on others to push him, help him navigate daily life with greater ease, and most importantly, allow him to spend more active, meaningful time with his young daughters again — including being able to take them out while they ride their bikes.

Any donation, no matter how small, would mean the world to Joe and his family, and if you are unable to donate, simply sharing this fundraiser would help enormously too. Thank you so much for your kindness and support.

Here is Joe’s story, in his own words…

​Hello, my name is Joe. I am looking for help to purchase a power add-on to improve my new life in a wheelchair and allow me to be as independent as possible, not having to rely on someone to push me and and give me freedom to be able to take my young daughters out on there bikes again.

​In 2008, I was diagnosed with a cancerous brain tumor. This was devastating for someone starting their career at 20 years old. Fortunately, I got the all-clear after chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatment, but in 2009, I suffered a relapse. I went through more treatment and was again told I was clear. 2010 was a great year, but unfortunately, the tumor returned once more in my head and also in my spine. I underwent grueling high-dose chemotherapy and radiotherapy on my spinal cord. I spent five weeks in isolation for the high-dose chemo; it was my biggest fear, as I worried I might not come back out. When I was finally discharged, I was like a skeleton, but thankfully, I was given the all-clear.

​Fast forward 15 years. After rebuilding my life, I was enjoying my partner’s birthday in October 2025 when I noticed an unsteady walk and urinary issues. By the evening, I was in excruciating pain due to bladder retention. I was rushed to the hospital in the early hours to have a catheter inserted. The doctors were not initially sure what was wrong, but by Sunday, I had lost the ability to use my legs. As a very active person, this was terrifying. After multiple MRI scans, a PET scan, and a lumbar puncture, doctors diagnosed a cavernoma bleed in my spinal cord - a late effect of the radiotherapy I received back in 2010.

​I found myself in a very dark place as my life stopped so abruptly. I had to come to terms with the fact that I would need a wheelchair to live my life moving forward. After two months in the hospital, I was moved to a specialist spinal cord rehabilitation center to work on my upper body strength. I spent three months there with physiotherapists and occupational therapists helping me adjust. On March 10th, I was discharged to go home to my family. It has been incredibly hard due to the lack of space and the need to rely on others for things I can no longer do myself.

​To regain my freedom, I am looking to purchase a power adaptation for my wheelchair. This equipment will massively improve my life; I feel I have lost my independence, and this will help me get back to the life I once had.

Thank you