Hiya, my name is Laura, I’m 27 and live in West Sussex. I unfortunately suffer with numerous conditions but the 2 that mostly affect me are hypermobile Ehlers Danlos syndrome (EDS) and functional neurological disorder (FND). I developed FND down the left side of my body after years of unmanaged pain from my EDS, which eventually disrupted my brain signals. It has left me with very little sensation from mid thigh downwards, extreme weakness, fatigue, problems with my coordination, balance issues and dystonia in my ankle. This alone has made it very difficult to walk. However, after 3 years of constant UTI’s caused by other health problems, the FND has also spread into my right leg. For now, I can only walk short distances using a rollator or I have to be pushed in a wheelchair. This has meant to go out, I have to rely on someone taking me. I cannot use a self propelling wheelchair due to severe instability in my shoulders. NHS wheelchair services won’t help me as I can get around the house independently. So to try and get my independence back I am trying to raise the funds to buy myself a collapsible, lightweight powerchair. Unfortunately I’m signed off work long term sick and I don’t know how long I will be unable to work for. I really appreciate any donations, no matter how small as it is one step closer to getting my independence back.