Help Lauren raise funds for a wheelchair!

Hi everyone, my name is Lauren and I am 21 years old. I am a passionate artist and Neurodiversity Advocate, and represent Tourettes Action on the National Neurodiversity Youth Council. I am very active in the disabled community, and speak at conferences, raise money for charities, and raise awareness of my conditions through social media. I am also lucky enough to be a finalist in the National Diversity Awards this year!

I am on here today asking for your help. I became disabled suddenly in 2020, after a seizure following donating blood.The seizure was a traumatic event which triggered my tics to worsen and my FND symptoms to start. At that point I was unable to walk properly, feed myself, or drink out of a glass. I am lucky that with access to treatment, medication and therapy my conditions have improved slightly, but they are still incredibly debilitating and affect almost every area of my life. My conditions cause regular seizures, mobility issues, and tics which injure me and can cause me to fall to my knees every few steps. I am now an ambulatory wheelchair user - some days I can walk okay and others not at all.

On bad days I still struggle to dress and feed myself, and leaving the house unaided is out of the question. Last year I was lucky enough to be able to get a quickie helium wheelchair, which completely transformed my life.

I was able to leave the house on days where my mobility was affected and my seizures bad, as in my chair there is no risk of falling and injuring myself further. It gave me back my freedom and my independence, which was life changing and improved my mental health considerably.

But now my chair's measurements no longer fit me, and I am back to square one.

Wheelchairs are so expensive, and I am currently unable to work full time due to my disabilities. A lightweight wheelchair which would fit my needs will cost thousands, and sadly this is out of my budget at the moment.

If you are in a position to donate any amount towards the cost of a new chair it would mean the world to me. No donation is too small, and any amount is greatly appreciated.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story.