Help Lucy’s Limbs Limber Up

My name is Lucy, and I was born with Cerebral Palsy due to being born three months early. Cerebral Palsy affects people differently depending on what brain areas are affected. I cannot move without assistance as my hands, arms, legs, and feet are affected. I cannot walk or even bum shuffle - I simply do not have the muscle tone or the coordination, which leads to stiffness and pain. If I'm not in my wheelchair, I'm in bed. There is no other option for me. I am in the same position for 10, sometimes 12 hours daily.

If You're Short On Time - I have trialled an amazing standing powered wheelchair called the Q700UP, and it was perfect for me. It will significantly improve my life by allowing me to change position, keep my pain levels manageable, and enable me to be more independent. However, it is eye wateringly expensive, and the NHS are not able to contribute more than a small percentage. This chair would be life changing for me, so any donation is appreciated.

If You Have Time To Learn More (Grab A Cuppa) - The Q700UP will enable me to get into multiple positions independently. Everyone is encouraged to change positions, and this chair will allow me to do that and make me comfortable throughout the day. Standing in the chair twice during the trial for five-minute intervals relieved my pain for five days! It will lie flat, so I could even potentially sleep in the chair if needed!

The chair will also increase my muscle tone, bone density, and strength. These advantages will hopefully improve my ability to transfer and give me more energy. Standing is also proven to assist the digestive system and aid bladder and bowel function. These are all basic needs that I struggle with, but maintaining and improving my health is very important to me.

Tilt In Space: The chair tilts forward and backwards, which is great for relaxing but also shifting my weight from one area of my body to another to help relieve pain. It is also a must for transfers as I don't have very good balance, so the tilting ensures I can get right back in the chair. Another way this is helpful is dentist appointments. I will no longer have to be lifted onto the dentist's chair, meaning I could be treated from the chair as it can tilt similarly.

Backrest Recline: The backrest moves forwards and backwards, which is excellent for even more positioning options but also helpful when transferring. I can put the backrest all the way forward to assist my balance when transferring and then move it back to a comfortable distance when sitting in the chair. As I can't sit on a sofa, this also helps me relax.

Seat Elevation: The lift function on the chair means I can reach things I otherwise wouldn't be able to, e.g. cupboards. It also means I can be at eye level with people, which will help my neck pain as I won't constantly be looking up. I have one tendon shorter than the other due to a lifetime of looking up at people, which causes severe headaches. The lift function will also assist my parents and carers in helping me get dressed/undressed so I can be at a height that suits them. This is particularly useful for putting on/taking off shoes and socks.

Adjustable Footplates: This function is a must for me, as when my feet are 90 degrees, they spasm and stick out in front of me. My feet aren't flat, and it causes me to slip down in the chair. Angling the footplate ensures that my feet stay on the footplate and I'm stable in the chair. Adjusting the footplate height is useful when transferring. It's also great for relieving pressure off the bottom of my feet, as I cannot independently move my legs or feet.

Despite my disability, I want to be as independent as possible. I'm studying journalism with the ADJ in partnership with the NCTJ. I run a blog called Inclusive Living Concepts that helps individuals with disabilities overcome obstacles. I'm currently fighting for a care package that will meet my needs and enable me to work, but I can't do that without the correct equipment and support. This chair will not only be my legs, but it will also enable me to go out more and do my physio. I finally have a physiotherapist (after waiting two years,) but this is only short-term as my condition will not improve. I require physiotherapy on a weekly, if not daily, basis, but unfortunately, it is not funded.

Advocating for my physical needs through solicitors has taken any money I could've personally put towards the chair. My local Wheelchair Services has admitted they cannot provide a wheelchair that fully meets my needs (even without the standing function, which they don't fund), mainly because I am short, so I require a seat height lower than standard. In practice, this means all the wheelchairs they offer are too high.

Twelve years ago, my family brought me a standing chair, which no longer supports me due to age. I have letters from my Physiotherapist, Occupational Therapist, and Wheelchair Services, who all agree the Q700UP would make a massive difference in my life. But this life-changing chair costs £27,000, and Wheelchair Services will put £5,840 towards it. I haven't got the rest. I appreciate any donations people can give. If not, please share this page to help spread the word.

Thanks, Lucy