Hi everyone,

I never thought I’d be writing something like this.

If you know Mark, you’ll know he’s not someone who sits still. He spent years working in the ambulance service and medical settings, long shifts, high pressure, always on the move. Outside of work, he was always active. Outdoors, walking and gardening, rarely inside for long.

Over the last year that’s changed.

Because of osteoarthritis, spondylosis and hip impingement, Mark now lives with constant pain. Standing for more than a few minutes is extremely painful and walking more than a short distance simply isn’t possible. Even small activities can mean hours, sometimes days, of recovery afterwards.

Right now he barely leaves the house.

Family trips to parks, or even shopping centres are out of reach because he can’t stand or walk long enough to take part.

The part that breaks my heart most is that he can’t walk Kira anymore.

Kira is his best friend and they’ve always been inseparable. They used to go out for long walks together and being outdoors with her was his space to reset. Now he has to watch someone else take her out while he stays behind.

The physical pain is constant and the impact on his mental health, especially alongside existing Complex PTSD, has been significant. The loss of independence and isolation has been incredibly difficult.

Treatment is planned and should improve things, but it’s still a long time away. In the meantime he’s managing a few hours of desk-based work each week when not long ago his life and work were physically active.

A wheelchair would make a huge difference right now.

It would mean:

• He could leave the house properly

• He could join family outings again

• He could walk alongside Kira again

• He could get back outside into the garden

• He could attend work commitments without days of recovery

• He could regain some independence and dignity

We’re trying to raise £260 to purchase a wheelchair.

For us, that’s the difference between isolation and participation.

This isn’t about giving up. It’s about giving him a way to keep going.

Mark would never ask for this himself, so I’m doing it for him.

If you’re able to help, even a small amount would mean a lot. If not, sharing this would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you for taking the time to read this.

Mark (Sharky)